Walsall analysis: Mat Sadler's bold selections calls pay off in Harrogate
Mat Sadler's bold selection calls had the desired impact in Walsall's 2-0 victory at Harrogate Town on Saturday.
Something needed to change after the drab display against Colchester United and Sadler hit the reset button with no fewer than four alterations.
It was somewhat surprising just how drastically he shuffled his pack, but he struck upon a winning formula, as his replacements rose to the challenge.
Priestley Farquharson was handed his first league start in over 15 months and marked an important milestone with the second goal to clinch maximum points.
The defender has had a challenging time with injury since he joined Walsall in 2023, but hopefully this will finally be the point that he can prove just how good he actually is.
He performed excellent on only his 30th league appearance for the club. He showcased supreme athleticism and developed a really good understanding with Aden Flint.
The two towering centre-backs provided Walsall with an authority in defence and presented Evan Weir with the license to venture forward from time to time.
Jamille Matt also made his first league start of the campaign at the expense of Aaron Pressley, who missed out due to a hamstring injury.
Pressley suffered the injury in training on Thursday and will head for a scan on Monday, with an updated expected later in the week.
