'Aden Flint, set pieces and key subs' 5 key takeaways from Walsall's opening day win
Walsall started the 2025-26 League Two season on a winning note after emerging with a 2-1 success against Swindon Town at Bescot on Saturday.
Evan Weir's picked out the top corner with a firecracker of a free-kick inside eight minutes, before Brandon Comley's sending off completely changed the complexion of the game.
Swindon levelled from the spot through Will Wright 11 minutes from time, but Connor Barrett propelled the Saddlers to victory with a dramatic stoppage time winner.
Here are the key talking points from the win:
Is Aden Flint the missing link?
Aden Flint was handed the armband on his Walsall debut, and he looked and very much played the part from the outset.
He offered a towering presence in the centre of the back-line and demonstrated his leadership qualities with a vocal performance.
His guidance helped the likes of Rico Browne and Evan Weir thrive, and one can only imagine that he will have a similar impact on the likes of Harrison Burke and Dan Cox.
The 36-year-old hardly missed a beat, and while critics questioned whether he still had the legs, clearly that first 10 yards are ingrained in his mind.
Set pieces in safe hands
