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Cheltenham 3 Walsall 1 - Player ratings

Liam Keen rates the Walsall players after a 3-1 loss to Cheltenham.

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LIAM ROBERTS

Unlike his usual self for the majority of the game, much like the rest of his team Roberts wasn't quite at it. His only glaring error was the third goal, that seemingly went straight through him, but his distribution throughout was poor. 5

JAMES CLARKE

Playing out of position in both full-back positions, it was a difficult day for Clarke. Originally at right-back, he struggled as the opposition had a lot of joy down his side. Then in left-back he never looked comfortable. 4

DAN SCARR

A performance that was nothing like Scarr's recent form. In the air he still did well, but on the floor he was poor. He made several mistakes in the first half and then the third Robins goal came from his error. 4

MAT SADLER

Probably the most solid of the starting XI defenders, Sadler did ok. He won some battles and showed some character but overall Walsall looked defensively weak. His positioning was off at times too. 5

ZAK JULES

It was an extremely difficult day for Jules. Coming off the back of a strong performance in mid-week, this was not what he needed when he was looking to take his chance. He was hauled off at half-time. 4

RORY HOLDEN

Holden was again, for the most part, given a chance to play through the middle but it didn't work for him. On the ball he didn't have his usual impact and he was too weak in possession. 4

ALFIE BATES

Bates was substituted after 50 minutes, and understandably so. It'll be a learning curve for the youngster, but he struggled. He often gave the ball away and didn't take the game by the scruff of the neck. 4

LIAM KINSELLA

Kinsella notably showed more fight than some of his team-mates, but it was still a difficult day for him. The midfield failed to provide any cover for the defence and Cheltenham took advantage. 5

WES MCDONALD

Often when McDonald doesn't play well, Walsall don't play well. That's why January is so important. This game passed him by and he didn't make much of an impact at all, particularly to his standards. 5

JOSH GORDON

Gordon always shows hard work and endeavour, whether up front or on the right wing. He struggled to make an impact here, however, and he should have done better with some chances. 6

CAOLAN LAVERY

Lavery was starved of service all day. Long balls kept coming forward and he was consistently barged out of the way by much bigger defenders. It wasn't his day but he needed more from those around him. 6

SUBS: Adebayo (for Jules 45) 6, Norman (for Bates 51) 6.

Subs not used: Rose, K.Roberts, Willis, Perry, Gaffney.