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Port Vale 0 Walsall 1 - Player ratings

Liam Keen rates the Walsall players after their 1-0 win over Port Vale.

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LIAM ROBERTS

The unshakable goalkeeper had another good afternoon for the Saddlers. Sadly, he only gets a seven as he had virtually nothing to do. The simple things though, he did well, and steered clear of any mistakes. 7

SHAY FACEY

The full-back made his position his own a few weeks back now but his consistency has been key. Too often players haven't performed well enough and have been dropped but Facey, now that he's fully fit, is doing an excellent job. 7

MAT SADLER

Sadler has come in and out of the team in recent games, likely to rest him due to his age. But every time he comes in he has been excellent. His reading of the game, physicality and awareness have been great. 8

DAN SCARR

Another very composed performance from Scarr who dealt with the physicality of striker Tom Pope extremely well. He had the forward in his pocket all day and was a stand-out performer for the Saddlers. 8

JAMES CLARKE

Mr Consistent – James Clarke can play anywhere. Filling in at left-back he was superb. Good on the ball, quick and strong, he had an excellent game and shows real leadership in the team. 8

LIAM KINSELLA

Despite how good the defence was, Kinsella was a man of the match contender. Playing out of position in right wing, the midfielder put in a brilliant shift and was regularly winning the ball back. 8

STUART SINCLAIR

Sinclair's return from injury was a welcome one after the midfielder missed eight games. He adds a bite to the middle of the park for the Saddlers. A tough tackler, but he's also good on the ball and is good at arriving late in the box. 7

DANNY GUTHRIE

It wasn't the best day at the office for Guthrie. After coming back from injury he's currently playing no more than 60 minutes and against Port Vale he didn't look quite fit. But the quality is there. 5

WES MCDONALD

It didn't flow at every opportunity for McDonald but when it does, he's electric. He proved a proper threat to the Vale back line and put in a wonderful cross for the goal. Another 90 minutes for McDonald and he deserves it. 7

ELIJAH ADEBAYO

Adebayo took his goal well and he needed it. His game as a whole wasn't at its best but when it mattered he showed good movement and a good finish. There's more to come from this man. 7

JOSH GORDON

It didn't quite work for Gordon in this game. As always he ran himself into the ground and took some rough challenges but the chances didn't present themselves for him. He'll keep plugging away. 6

SUBS: Holden (for Guthrie 52) 6, Lavery (for Adebayo 67) 6, Gaffney (for Gordon 85) N/A. Subs not used: Rose, Norman, Liddle, Bates.