Analysis: Walsall set sights on a revival after returning to winning ways at Shrewsbury

Priestley Farquharson was the embodiment of the resilience shown by Walsall in Shropshire. 

The Walsall defender was at fault for MK Dons' opener when his misplaced pass gifted Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with the chance to score in the Saddlers' 2-0 home defeat on Monday. 

But Farquharson responded in style by scoring a match-winning double to put an end to a dismal seven-match winless run. 

His goals also helped reignite a previously faltering promotion push and send them back to within touching distance of the play-off places. 

There was a sigh of relief when the final whistle blew and the supporters were treated with a rare taste of victory. 

It had been almost six weeks since the Saddlers had last won a game in any competition, and confidence and expectation was low heading to Croud Meadow. 

Mat Sadler made three changes from the defeat to MK Dons, as Evan Weir was restored to defence at the expense of Kacper Lopata. 

Weir had been out-of-sorts prior to his latest omission which had seen him miss the previous two games. 

But he looked eager to prove a point and combined a relatively solid defensive display with his trademark threat from set pieces. 

Both goals stemmed from his delivery. First, Aaron Pressley towered above his marker to meet a floated ball to the back post, which Farquharson duly tucked into the far bottom corner. 

The Irishman delivered yet another set piece which was bang on the money, as Aden Flint used all of his 6ft 6in frame to win the first contact. 

Farquharson was on the prowl inside the six-yard box and simply helped flick his header beyond the reach of Matthew Cox. 

It proved to be the match-winner but the most decisive factor in the victory was how Walsall responded to a setback on the cusp of half-time. 

Walsall started in slightly nervy fashion, but settled into the game after the first 10 minutes and began to take control. 

They made inroads on both flanks and appeared to have good balance with Vincent Harper returning on the left for his first start since a 2-2 draw at Chesterfield on January 31. 

The opener arrived with 28 minutes on the clock and Walsall continued to exert their authority on proceedings until the dying embers of the first half. 

Sam Hornby was called upon to thwart a deflected header by Josh Ruffels and Weir recovered his position to smother Luca Hoole's close-range finish after initially letting him get goal side. 

But the warning signs were there and Farquharson conceded a cheap foul, which he felt was a mistake on the referee's part, when George Lloyd went down under his challenge. 

It was within perfect range for the dangerous Iwan Morgan, who was the biggest threat for the hosts, both with his feet, and his extraordinarily long throw. 

So it was no surprise when the in-form Shrewsbury attacker unleashed a low shot over the wall which nestled into the bottom corner. 

Walsall heads could've easily bowed in that moment, but they emerged from the tunnel after the break with intent. 

They were the better side after the restart and deservedly restored their lead just past the hour-mark. 

Every player to a man performed well, although some were better than others, but it was a victory for the collective. 

Farquharson understandably stole the headlines with his two goals, but the defence - including Sam Hornby - were just as important. 

They threw bodies on the line and also needed a little bit of luck as Will Boyle directed a header off target from point-blank range and Tom Sang snatched at a late chance. 

But they were ultimately very good value for the win. Jamie Jellis produced one of his best performances of the season and Brandon Comley played an understated, yet essential role, as the screen in front of the defence. 

He cleverly drew fouls and used his experience to manage the game in key moments - further underlining his importance in the No 6 position. 

The performance also suggested that there is still belief and fight within this group, and more importantly, trust towards Sadler. 

It's been a tough time for the Walsall boss and he is by no means out of the woods. Hopefully this doesn't prove to be a brief reprieve, and instead serves as a catalyst for a revival. 

They're still firmly in the hunt but the next test is to put together a run. Timing is everything and there are big games on the horizon, starting with Fleetwood on Tuesday.