Suchet invaded the province of Valencia in September 1811. He tried to quickly seize the castle of Saguntum, but its garrison repulsed two attacks and the French-Allied army was forced to lay siege to the ancient fortress. When Blake's army advanced from Valencia, Suchet posted his smaller army to resist the Spanish. Blake's attack on Suchet's right flank went awry and soon the poorly trained Spanish troops were fleeing. The Spanish troops attacking Suchet's left flank were made of sterner stuff, however, and the contest there was more severe. Finally, the French-Allied troops gained the upper hand and put the entire Spanish army to flight. Blake's soldiers limped back to Valencia where they tried to put that city's defences in order.