Jean Tigana was a relieved man after the Cottagers survived their fourth match
against Nationwide League opposition to move in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Fulham boss admitted that he feared the worst when Walsall drew level after
Edwin van der Sar's blunder, but his anxiety was assuaged by Barry Hayles' winner
as the hosts were temporarily down to ten men.
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Fulham Manager
Jean Tigana was happy with Cup victory at Walsall |
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He said: "When they came back to equalise I was a little bit worried.
The FA Cup is always a difficult competition to win as there is so much passion
in the games.
"My priority is to stay in top level and play teams like Manchester United
and Chelsea. But if we can go all the way in the competition, why not."Walsall
manager Colin Lee was preoccupied post-match with his own medical staff who
10 minutes to put a couple of stitches in Darren Wrack's injured ankle - during
which time Hayles bagged the winner.
Lee said: "Darren was off for 10 minutes and 25 seconds. For that to happen
in a game like this is hard to swallow and it is something I need to look into.
"We took a while to get into the game but the pleasing thing was we had
a right good go in the second half after giving away a poor goal.
"Byfield was unfortunate not to score near the end. Any normal size keeper
would have let that in. But their keeper is extra tall and made a good save."