Walsall 4-3 Port Vale – Player ratings

Jack Rose - 6

Unfortunate to concede three goals, Rose was not at fault for any of them. The third went through his legs but the speed and distance of the effort was more to blame.

Cameron Norman - 6

It was perhaps surprising to see Norman come off at half-time after a decent first half. He is likely being saved for future matches, while Hayden White was performing well.

Dan Scarr - 9

In reality Scarr had a below-par performance for most of the game and made a few errors on the ball. However, he stepped up with two good goals, including the winner, and must be awarded with a nine rating.

James Clarke - 7

Clarke dealt with Tom Pope well throughout the game but his slight error led to the striker’s goal in the first half. He recovered well in the second half.

Hayden White - 8

A composed performance in the first half, out of position, and a brilliant second half in his more natural right-back. This was White’s best showing in a Walsall shirt.

Alfie Bates - 5

Bates has been superb in recent weeks but was slightly off the pace against Port Vale. He has played a lot of minutes and for a young man these performances will happen and he needs to bounce back.

Liam Kinsella - 8

Kinsella is regularly described as an unsung hero and he showed why, again. He continued to pick himself up from the floor after taking several strong challenges and then dished out his own. A brilliant ball-winner in midfield who helps to spring attacks.

Josh Gordon - 5

Not Gordon’s best showing as he returns to full fitness. He won some good balls in the air but it did not quite click for him.

Rory Holden - 7

Holden had a fairly quiet first half, particularly by his standards. In the second half he was not completely at his best but he did still show a creative spark. His two assists for Scarr’s goals were from nice deliveries.

Wes McDonald - 7

McDonald was unlucky not to find the net or notch an assist in the first half. He continued to be a threat in the second and was lively going forward.

Elijah Adebayo - 6

As with Norman, many would have been surprised to see Adebayo go off at half-time due to his impressive form this season. He was unlucky to hit the bar with an effort but overall he did not receive the right delivery to be most effective.

Substitutes

Mat Sadler (for Norman, 45) - 7

A very good, composed performance for Sadler who moved back to left-back, a position he played much earlier in his career.

Danny Guthrie (for Bates, 45) - 7

Despite not playing much football recently, Guthrie settled into the pace of the game well and provided a lovely assist for the first goal.

Jake Scrimshaw (for Gordon, 45) - 9

What football is all about, watching a young player net his first Football League goals. Scrimshaw was superb. He was a nightmare for the two Port Vale centre-backs who struggled to contain him. His runs in behind and down the channels were a nuisance.

Caolan Lavery (for Adebayo, 45) - 8

Lavery has been unfortunate not to play much recently, due to Adebayo's form, but he put in a real shift here. Winning the ball back, bringing team-mates into play – it was a really strong showing.

Emmanuel Osadebe (for McDonald, 83) - N/A

Subs not used: Roberts, Sinclair.