Oztumer’s late corner settles five goal thriller

Erhun Oztumer’s late goal gave Walsall a 3-2 win in a thrilling local derby against managerless Shrewsbury.

The win for the Saddlers sends them up two places to 14^th in the League one table. The visitors are now 3 points away from safety staying in 23^rd spot.

Walsall manager John Whitney said “We did the basics better than them, we’re disappointed to concede two set pieces. We’re pleased with the win that’s three on the bounce. It gives us momentum that we can take into Tuesday.”

The game was full of controversy featuring five goals and two red cards.

Oztumer’s winner came from a direct corner which curled in at the near post in the 89th minute which topped off a fine performance as he also made the first goal and was awarded man of the match.

Amadou Bakayoko scored the hosts first goal and was sent off late in the game after his celebrations for their late winner saw him pick up a second yellow card. Josh Morris picked up the other goal for the hosts.

Regarding the scorers red card, Whitney said that “It was a mistake and a bit of naivety from Amou, it was just the emotion of the goal. It’s harsh because you celebrate goals, but it’s the rules.”

Ryan McGivern was sent off for two yellow cards after a foul early in the second half and an altercation with Bakayoko.

The home manager showed sympathy for the opposition’s dismissal and felt that “I thought it was harsh on Ryan, I know he’s put his hands up but sometimes decisions like this can ruin the game”.

He added, “It’s very difficult for referees, sometimes he was a little bit card happy.”

First half substitute Oliver Lancashire equalised just four minutes after coming on, he then turned provider in the second half as his header set up Junior Brown to make it 2-2.

The Shrews are now without a win in their last seven league matches and now face two difficult home games against Sheffield United and Northampton within the next seven days.

Shrewsbury were without top scorer Ivan Toney which clearly showed as their strikers were unable to score either of their two goals.

The visitors are also facing an anguishing wait over their captain Adam El-Abd who was forced off injured midway through the first half.