Walsall 1-2 Carlisle - Player ratings

LIAM ROBERTS

It wasn’t a terrible overall performance from Roberts, but in the key moments he struggled. With the first goal he perhaps could have pushed the ball back into a better area to relieve the danger. He also could have done better with Carlisle’s winning goal. 5

SHAY FACEY

Although he wasn’t needed in the end against Scunthorpe on Boxing Day, Facey was a welcome addition to the squad. Particularly in the first half here, he was instrumental in the attacking threat of Walsall. Defensively, he struggled in the second 45. 6

JAMES CLARKE

A tough day for the captain. For the first 45 minutes he was equally as impressive as his team-mates. After the break it didn’t quite click and the straight red card compounded a poor showing. He’s much better than that and the break may do him good. 4

MAT SADLER

As an experienced professional, Sadler kept his head throughout the fixture, despite many losing theirs around him. He didn’t do much wrong and was relatively solid. He perhaps could have done more to prevent Carlisle’s first goal, but Roberts made it difficult for him. 6

CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT

A young defender with a lot of promise, but not his best day. He looked a little bit out of his depth and wasn’t at the races. He did attempt to get forward in the first half and showed a willingness to get involved. But he should have defended the winning goal. 5

RORY HOLDEN

Holden showed a lot more endeavour and creativity during his stint on the field. Particularly in the first half, he looked up for the challenge and with a bit of encouragement from the sidelines he was having a good game. It died off in the second 45, however. 6

ALFIE BATES

It was a mixed day for Bates, who at times looked good on the ball, but at times was caught napping. He has huge promise and talent as an 18-year-old, but it wasn’t his day. He often gave the ball away in the midfield and struggled in the second half. 5

DANNY GUTHRIE

Guthrie did well against Carlisle when on the ball and he often started attacks with his cross-field balls out wide. As he tired, he did fail to impose himself more and the more agile opponents were beating him to the ball. Another one who had a mixed performance. 6

WES MCDONALD

As is often the case with McDonald, he’ll have a few sloppy moments, but then create something from nothing. Darrell Clarke was frustrated with his lack of passing at times, but then he did brilliantly for Adebayo’s equaliser. His shot was ferocious. 6

CAOLAN LAVERY

Lavery had a very good first half, but quite simply, he should have scored at least a brace. He had several good chances, but was denied at each opportunity. The striker needed to take those chances. After the break he was largely anonymous and was taken off. 6

JOSH GORDON

Gordon was far and above Walsall’s best player and deserved his man-of-the-match award. Alongside his tremendous work-rate, he was terrific in both attack and defence. He helped create several chances and often tracked back to win the ball. 7

SUBS: Hardy (for Holden 66) 5, Adebayo (for Lavery 66) 6, Jules (for Adebayo 78) 5.

Not used: Rose, Norman, Perry, Gaffney.