Analysis: Isaac Hutchinson the hero as Walsall swap pain for joy in rout
Walsall swapped unremitting pain for for unbridled joy in the space of seven days with a thumping 4-1 victory over promotion hopefuls Gillingham.
What a difference a week makes in football. The Saddlers had a point to prove after suffering their heaviest defeat of the season at Sutton United last time out.
And they produced a perfect response with Isaac Hutchinson netting his first career hat-trick to crown a sensational display.
Sadler made four changes from the 4-0 drubbing at Gander Green Lane. Taylor Allen came in as a straight swap for Liam Gordon, who is on international duty with Guyana, and Hutchinson replaced Aramide Oteh.
Ross Tierney was also restored to the starting XI at the expense of Jamille Matt, while Freddie Draper was given the nod ahead of Danny Johnson after recovering from a hamstring issue.
A strong start created a platform for Walsall to build from. Oisin McEntee and Ryan Stirk won the midfield battle early on and kept Walsall ticking as the attacking players ran riot.
Gillingham did fashion the first chance when Harry Williams was required to block two efforts in quick succession from Macauley Bonne after 10 minutes.
Nonetheless, Walsall looked more dangerous on the ball than the opposition, especially when Hutchinson was involved in the play.
