Express & Star

Walsall 2-1 Crawley - Player ratings

Liam Keen rates the Walsall players after a 2-1 win over Crawley.

Published

LIAM ROBERTS

A solid and composed performance from Roberts who didn't really put a foot wrong, even in his distribution which at times can be lacking. His one-on-one save from Ashley Nadesan at 1-0 was vital and helped the club earn the 2-1 victory. 7

CAMERON NORMAN

It was a mixed day for Norman who at times was struggling, but in the end he came good. Going forward he is often more effective than in defence, but with Bez Lubala he defended well against a strong and tricky winger. Overall a positive performance. 7

DAN SCARR

Scarr rectified his poor performance last week against Cheltenham with a commanding display against Crawley. He again won everything in the air and dealt with physical striker Ollie Palmer well. On the feet he occasionally gave it away. 7

JAMES CLARKE

The captain has shown this season that he can play across the back four and he's been very adaptable in his play. Over the festive period there's been the odd below-par showing, but against Crawley he was back to his solid best. A credit to the team. 7

MAT SADLER

The experienced professional was easily the pick of the bunch in the defence. Harking back to his old days at left-back, he proved to be a more than capable back-up in that position. Defensively he was excellent and he even offered an option going forward at times. 8

JOSH GORDON

At times this season Gordon has done well in right wing, but in the early stages here he was struggling to get involved. When he was moved down the middle he shined again and he took his goal very well. The link-up with Lavery is good and improving every day. 8

LIAM KINSELLA

At times Kinsella can go under the radar for the work he does for the time, but his work rate, vision and tough tackling was all on show against Crawley. Unlike against Cheltenham when the game passed him by, he took it by the scruff of the neck this time. 8

RORY HOLDEN

In a slightly more unfamiliar role of playing centrally with a two, Holden did well, particularly in the first half. He was given too much space and he was regularly picking up sublime passes. Centrally is where he belongs, not on the wing. 7

WES MCDONALD

What a strike to win it, that alone earns a player a good rating. In the first half he looked sharp and dangerous. In the second, for the most part, he didn't get as involved as he would have liked, but McDonald has the ability to change the game in a split second. 8

ELIJAH ADEBAYO

Adebayo hasn't had the easiest of rides at times this season, but the game looked to have started well for him. He looked bright in the first half with some nice link-up play and touches. He dipped in the second half and was replaced after an hour. 6

CAOLAN LAVERY

Lavery has another assist for his tally as he battles Gordon on the goals chart. Again he was lively and worked extremely hard. He worked well with Adebayo but looked even better when paired with Gordon, it's a blossoming partnership. 7

SUBS: Nolan (for Adebayo 62) 6, Guthrie (for Holden 66) 6, K.Roberts (for Gordon 92) N/A. Subs not used: Rose, Willis, Perry, Candlin.