Walsall 2-1 Forest Green – Player ratings
Following Walsall's 2-1 win over Forest Green, Liam Keen rates the Saddlers players on their performance.
Jack Rose - 8
A calm and composed showing from Rose who commanded his area well and dictated to the defence in front of him. He was not at fault for the goal, either.
Hayden White - 7
A steady showing from White who has improved with his overall consistency within games and in back-to-back fixtures.
James Clarke - 8
Clarke actually came off second best in several aerial duels early on in the game but he eventually found his footing and got a superb goal. He is key to this side.
Mat Sadler - 7
Another strong showing from Sadler who rarely shows his age. Composed, confident and with brilliant positional awareness. He was fortunate, however, to get away with an early mistake.
Max Melbourne - 7
Good going forward and in defence, Melbourne is back in-form after a handful of average performances.
Sam Perry - 8
A coming-of-age performance from Perry. Absolutely superb. It is incredible to think he is still only 19 but the midfielder ran the show, picking up every lose ball. The youngster is an serious talent.
Liam Kinsella - 7
Kinsella rarely gives a bad performance and in this game he was his ever-consistent self. In many ways his life was made easier by Perry and he was not as involved.
Emmanuel Osadebe - 8
Osadebe had a mixed afternoon. At times he gave the ball away cheaply but in the moments that mattered he came good. Two assists for a player who has steadily improved under Dutton and is becoming an important member of the squad.
Rory Holden - 9
This game proves how key Holden is to this side. He keeps everything moving, is so intelligent on and off the ball and his technical ability is among the best in League Two. His return is essential to this Walsall team and has come at the perfect time.
Tyreik Wright - 7
A slightly quieter showing from Wright with most of the play coming through Holden. He had flashes of brilliance but also missed a good one-on-one chance. By no means a bad performance.
Josh Gordon - 7
Gordon was shattered at full-time after an incredibly hard-working performance. He held the ball up really well and got his team-mates involved. He is desperate for a goal and missed one big chance.
Substitutes
Tom Leak (for White, 81), Derick Osei Yaw (for Holden, 84), Cameron Norman (for Wright, 88).
Subs not used: Roberts, Vincent, Bates, McDonald.
