'Insatiable appetite for success' Inside Nathan Lowe's glorious five months at Walsall
August 29, 2024: Walsall found themselves trailing by two goals and staring down the barrel of defeat at the hands of League One outfit Huddersfield Town.
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Home debutant Nathan Lowe had been denied from the spot by Chris Maxwell as things continue to conspire against the Saddlers. But it was clear from the very moment that Lowe stepped onto the Bescot pitch that Walsall had a special talent on their hands.
Unfazed by his penalty miss, Lowe led the comeback charge, scoring twice in the space of seven second half minutes to set the tone for a legendary loan spell in the West Midlands.
Michal Helik's own goal completed a stunning second half turnaround to book Walsall's place in the League Cup third round for the first time in nine years and set-up a plum home tie against Premier League outfit Leicester City.
Shortly after the full-time whistle, Lowe walked into the media room and immediately stood out from the average 19-year-old.
Beyond his striking 6ft 3in frame, the teenager spoke with a maturity beyond his years. Driven, self-critical and somewhat charming, Lowe evidently had the mental ingredients to match his unique talent.
"I should've had a hat-trick," Lowe remarked with a look that suggested he was disappointed not to have done so.
His answer underlined his insatiable appetite for success and self-improvement but also signified his modesty. That humility shone through even as his stake continued to rise at a rapid rate with the Saddlers.
Four days later, Lowe opened the scoring in a 2-1 win against Cheltenham Town on his first league start and added another with a fantastic first time strike at Salford City before the end of September.
Walsall's storming start was stopped in its tracks by a humiliating 6-2 defeat against Fleetwood Town on October 1. But Lowe's double at Chesterfield proved it was merely a pitstop, as Walsall continued their ascent towards the summit after a timely wakeup call.
The goals continued to flow with further strikes in wins over Grimsby Town and Carlisle United earning him the EFL Young Player of the Month award for October.
He had struck up a telepathic partnership with Jamille Matt, who at 35, may be in the twilight years of his career despite his recent performances suggesting otherwise.
It may have been his goals that propelled him into the headlines but Lowe's all-round play indicates that the youngster is destined for the top.
"That comes down to his humility. We speak to each other and the mutual respect is there," Matt acknowledged.
"There is no selfishness with anyone in the squad and that's important. He has been sensational throughout the season.
"It took a couple of days for him to come out of his shell but because he is such a free spirit on the pitch, he is then able to put that on the pitch in terms of his performances.
"He has got a bit of everything in my opinion and I think he has got a great career in front of him."
Lowe scored an important late leveller against Crewe Alexandra and followed that with the only goal at AFC Wimbledon to keep Walsall nestled in the automatic promotion spots.
His strike in the 3-2 win over Notts County proved decisive in guiding Walsall to within a single point of the summit, before they leapfrogged local rivals Port Vale into top spot with a 1-0 win four days later.
By the turn of the year, Lowe had the League Two player of the month for December in his grasp. His blockbuster from distance at Harrogate set the wheels in motion for a hot streak of six goals in his final seven games in Walsall colours.
His final appearance proved an historic one and was rather fitting despite his premature departure. He scored the final goal in a 5-1 rout over Tranmere Rovers to set a club record eighth successive league wins, before leaving the Bescot pitch for the final time to a standing ovation by his adoring public.
31 hours later, Walsall learned the news that they had all been dreading, but perhaps had also been expecting.
'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened' was the caption on Walsall's social channels in the wake of his recall. And the memories he created in his five months as a Saddler will remain with those that witnessed it for a lifetime.
