Forest Green 1 Walsall 1 - Player Ratings

LIAM ROBERTS

A horrible day of weather which was certainly not the best for goalkeepers. But that made no difference to Roberts, who showed clean and confident handling and made some fantastic saves.

Excellent…8

JAMES CLARKE

Adjusted to being part of a central back three, chiefly on the right-hand side. Made some good and solid clearances when needed, including one crucial interception late on.

Solid…6

DAN SCARR

Also adapted well to the change of formation, and the defence had a lot of work to do! Relished the physical tussle with Jamille Matt, and not only produced some vital clearances but also pinged a couple of impressive crossfield passes.

Battler…6

ZAK JULES

Left centre-back first half, left-back the second, Jules proved Walsall’s flexible friend on a difficult afternoon for the team. Produced some timely interceptions and was also composed on the ball.

Composed…7

HAYDEN WHITE

A strong presence down the right as he made his Walsall league debut. Had a lot to deal with as Nicky Cadden pressed forward.

Strong…6

STUART SINCLAIR

Made a couple of important early blocks as the hosts looked to gain control and provided his usual strong presence as Walsall tried to stem the Forest Green flow. Withdrawn on the hour mark.

Blocks…6

LIAM KINSELLA

A busy and lively presence, especially defensively, which was needed as Walsall were under the cosh. Showed character in tough circumstances.

Lively…6

GEORGE NURSE

A mixed league debut for the Bristol City loanee. Impressive going forward and his cross for Walsall’s goal was an absolute peach. But a couple of potentially crucial mistakes saw him removed at half-time.

Mixed show…6

RORY HOLDEN

Such a neat footballer and the chance to be the pivot in behind the front two looked exciting. Was involved in the rare passing moves Walsall executed.

Passing…7

JOSH GORDON

Moved inside as part of a front two and he put a proper shift in. Unfortunately most of it was from a defending point of view, especially with two second-half challenges which fired his team up when they were struggling.

Work…6

CAOLAN LAVERY

A thumping header to get back on the scoring trail – hopefully the first of many more to come. Didn’t look happy to come off.

Vital contribution...7

SUBS

ALFIE BATES (for Nurse, 45) Almost provided an unlikely winner 7, WES MCDONALD (for Lavery, 60 Couple of promising moments 6, ELIJAH ADEBAYO (for Sinclair, 60) Willing, 6. Not used: Rose, Norman, Penny, Osadebe.