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Port Vale 1 Walsall 3 – Player ratings

Following Walsall's 3-1 win away at Port Vale, Liam Keen rates the Saddlers players on their performance.

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Liam Roberts - 4

The goalkeeper reacted well from his mistake but quite simply he cannot make those errors. He was fortunate on this occasion that it did not cost the team, but he must improve.

Hayden White - 5

Not a terrible performance from White, but just an OK one. He looked uncomfortable on the ball at times and gave it away too often.

Dan Scarr - 7

Another very good performance from Scarr who is settled in defence. Winning everything in the air and giving away very little in behind.

Mat Sadler - 7

Sadler often comes in when others are injured and it’s difficult to pinpoint a bad performance he has given this season. Solid defensively and clever in his approach with and without the ball.

Zak Jules - 6

Jules was not as effective going forward but his first job is to defend and he did it well against tough opposition who have tricky wingers.

Liam Kinsella - 7

Kinsella broke up the play very nicely and, as usual, did the hard work in the midfield that allows the attacking talents to flourish.

Alfie Bates - 7

A tidy afternoon for Bates who looked after the ball well and distributed it accordingly. His ball for Adebayo’s first goal was well-timed.

Tyreik Wright - 7

On his debut the youngster was heading towards a six rating for a decent afternoon – as he was limited with opportunities. However, he receives a seven for his superb assist and his second half play where he came to life.

Josh Gordon - 6

A battling afternoon for the Stoke-born striker back on his home patch, but he struggled for opportunities in front of goal. The pitch did not help, either, but he could have been more involved.

Wes McDonald - 7

McDonald really came into his own in the second half and benefited from moving inside as the poor playing conditions meant his touches on the ball were limited out wide. He was dangerous receiving the ball inside and running at the defence.

Elijah Adebayo - 8

Despite all the speculation surrounding him, Adebayo did the business on the field like a professional should. He took his first goal very well, even if it may have been offside, and his movement for the second goal was like a true poacher. A very good performance from a very good striker.

Substitutes

Stuart Sinclair (for Bates, 62) 7, Caolan Lavery (for Adebayo, 68) 6, Cameron Norman (for Wright, 68) 6, Frank Vincent (for White, 75) 6.

Subs not used: Cockerill-Mollett, Osadebe, Reid.