Lightbourne since 1992 proved the ideal stocking stuffer for Lightbourne yesterday, but was as welcome as a lump of coal for Goater.

Lightbourne's Walsall team emerged slim 1-0 victors from the encounter at Rotherham's Millmoor ground, pulling the team further clear of the relegation zone while plunging the home side deeper into trouble.

Having claimed a 0-0 split of the spoils with Swindon on Saturday, Walsall now stand 14th among the 24-member English Second Division on 29 points from 22 matches, having a 7-8-7 record. By comparison Rotherham have a 5-6-11 record and are 20th on 21 points, just seven ahead of bottom club Hull and a scant one point clear of 22nd placed Swansea.

However, despite the result Goater and Lightbourne were able to enjoy a Boxing Day dinner together, with Lightbourne and wife Rosemarie spending the holiday at Goater and his girlfriend Anita's home.