Walsall 3 Exeter 1 - Player ratings

LIAM ROBERTS

On his return from illness, Roberts was very solid and made no mistakes throughout the game. He looked sharp off his line on several occasions, but in reality his defence gave him very little to do. 7

CAMERON NORMAN

Going forward Norman did well, making one golden chance for Lavery and delivering an exceptional cross for Adebayo's first goal. In defence he was slow to react at times, but Walsall fortunately didn't pay for it. 7

DAN SCARR

Back to his best, Scarr was superb. Opposition striker Ryan Bowman is a handful at the best of times, but Scarr dealt with him well – utilising his physicality. His performance deserved a clean sheet. 8

JAMES CLARKE

Making his first start since returning from injury, Clarke looked settled and as if he never left. Having Scarr alongside him helped him to deal with the strength of Bowman, but he didn't put a foot wrong. 7

CAMERON PRING

Pring had a particularly good first-half as he kept tricky winger Randell Williams quiet, but he got caught out at times in the second-half. The winger got the better of him for Exeter's goal and he struggled defensively. 6

STUART SINCLAIR

Tough-tackling midfielder Sinclair complemented Guthrie well, putting in the hard yards and tackles. He was spent when he came off, after all of his hard work. His performances are improving after injury. 7

DANNY GUTHRIE

This was one of Guthrie's best Walsall performances – he makes the team tick in the 4-2-3-1 formation. His passing ability gets attacks moving and having a more tenacious midfielder alongside him helps. 8

JOSH GORDON

Again, Gordon was superb. Despite not scoring, he earned this nine rating by playing a big part in two goals. His work on and off the ball is invaluable and he's rightly one of the first names on the team sheet. 9

RORY HOLDEN

The young loanee is finding consistency and it's improving his game by a long way. He took his goal well today and was instrumental in a fantastic first-half. The 4-2-3-1 formation suits him down to the ground. 8

WES MCDONALD

McDonald was really up for this one, he was electric. Particularly in the first-half he caused all sorts of problems and his decision making has improved – he's holding on to the ball for too long, far less often now. 8

CAOLAN LAVERY

A welcome return to the team, Lavery was effective and linked-up with his team-mates well. The golden chance he missed was unlike him, as he is usually a brilliant finisher, that knocked his rating down slightly. 7

ELIJAH ADEBAYO (FOR LAVERY 68)

This man has improved drastically in the last three games, he was a menace when he came on. He took both of his goals well and is providing much-needed competition for his fellow strikers. Superb. 9

Rest of the subs: Kinsella (for Sinclair 68) 6, Sheron (for Guthrie 79) 6.

Subs not used: Rose, Sadler, Bates, Nolan.