Stevenage 1-2 Walsall - ratings: Three 8s as Saddlers progress in EFL Trophy

SAM HORNBY 

Calm whenever tasked with distributing the ball, but would perhaps be frustrated at not being able to keep out Carl Piergianni's headed opener.

Frustrated: 6 

RICO BROWNE 

Swept up in behind on a number of occasions and defended his penalty area well to help close out the win.

Strong: 7 

STAN STRAW 

Rose to the challenge on his first senior start, winning the majority of his battles in the air with an assured defensive display.

Assured: 8

DAN COX 

Read the game well on a rare start for the Welshman and played an excellent ball in behind to Hollman for Richards' leveller.

Steady: 7 

BRANDON COMLEY 

Read the game well and showed good strength in midfield at times before making way on the hour.

Solid: 7 

CONNOR BARRETT 

Dealt with his defensive duties well although he was not quite his usual dangerous self going forward.

Mixed: 6

RICO RICHARDS 

Had a quiet first half but burst into life after the break to score his first two Walsall goals with two opportunistic finishes.

Off the mark: 8 

COURTNEY CLARKE 

Showed good energy in flashes on the ball and almost pulled off a moment of magic when his audacious lob from distance floated just over.

Energetic: 7

VINCENT HARPER 

Dealt relatively well with the threat of Stevenage's lively wide man Chem Campbell, but was forced off with a head injury just before half-time.

Forced off: 6 

KEMAR ROOFE

Stung the palms of Ashby-Hammond with a free-kick but minutes were the most important thing on his first senior start in 20 months.

Comeback: 6

ALBERT ADOMAH 

Passed up two good chances in the second half, but helped set-up Richards' second after pressing Stevenage into a mistake. 

Threatening: 6

Subs: Jid Okeke (for Harper, 45 +1) 7; Jamie Jellis (for Clarke, 46) 6; Lewis Warrington (for Comley, 61) 6; Jake Hollman (for Roofe, 61) 8; Ronan Maher (for Barrett, 73).

Not used: Jenson Kilroy, McLloyd Oben.