Express & Star

Darrell Clarke hails 'outstanding' Walsall defensive display

Walsall manager Darrell Clarke has hailed an ‘outstanding’ defensive display but was left ‘frustrated’ at his side’s play with the ball.

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An Elijah Adebayo strike in the first minute of the second half was enough to earn the Saddlers all three points against Port Vale.

And while Clarke was pleased with his back four, he felt his side were below par when in possession of the ball.

“Listen, effort, endeavour and desire from my players has been there for all to see this season,” he said.

“10 out of 10 today.

“Performance with the ball, I’ll probably give it one out of 10.

“Fans, 10 out of 10, getting behind the team.

“Absolutely outstanding.

“So I have to be pleased.

“It’s the same I said to my players in there, I come and give an honest assessment of the game.

“I thought my back four were absolutely outstanding.

“The lads’ work rate from one to 11 was great, they’re giving me everything.

“But we have to be better with the ball, that’s the biggest frustration for me today.

“If we played anything like we did against Chelsea in mid-week with the ball, we’d have probably opened them up at times.

“That’s how I see the game.”