Lee Grant saw 'two versions' of Walsall in Salford City defeat

Lee Grant felt he saw “two versions” of his Walsall team during their 4-2 defeat against League Two leaders Salford City - but conceded that they needed to “show more belief”.

Walsall saw their 11-match unbeaten league start come to an end, despite mounting a remarkable second half comeback.

Macauley Langstaff and Jorge Grant scored either side of half-time, before Aaron Pressley and Lewis Simper hauled Walsall level midway into the second half.

‘We didn’t show enough belief and confidence’

Kallum Cesay immediately restored the Ammies’ lead and Adebola Oluwo headed in the fourth eight minutes from time.

“There were two versions of us. The version that didn’t play with enough personality, belief or confidence for the majority of the first half,” head coach Grant said.

“Then there’s the version at 2-0 down which decides that we need to have a swing at the game.

“We know we’ve got players that can create big moments, score goals, deliver top crosses and finish good actions.

“That’s the version that we saw for a good chunk in that second half, but overall we didn’t show enough belief and confidence in what we are and what we’ve delivered over large parts of the season.”

Pressley squandered a golden opportunity in the first half, while Jed Ward made a series of stops - including an outstanding finger tip save to deny Luke Molyneux.

And Grant felt that his side were somewhat in their “shells” during that first period.

Grant: Walsall were in their ‘shells’ in the first half

“When we’ve got opportunities to show personality and win games - we want to do that,” he added.

“My belief was that for too big of a chunk, particularly in the first half, we were just in our shells.

“That surprises me somewhat, but OK, no problem, we’re still learning.”

He continued: “My belief is that we didn’t have enough of that in the first half and it really cost us. It left us in a situation where we have to really pour it on.

“Then the game doesn’t become about confidence. It just becomes about fighting to get back into the game.

“I’m really delighted for them to get into that position, but then it’s so disappointing to have given it up so quickly.”

Grant eyes instant response at Colchester

The biggest turning point came when Cesay scored the third for Salford just moments after the Saddlers’ equaliser and Grant was disappointed with the nature of the goals Walsall conceded.

“The goals are bad. There’s no shying away from that,” he continued.

“We’ve not looked like conceding set piece goals, but then we concede a really poor one at the end.

“We’ve not looked like making simple errors over the course of the first 11 games and then we do for the third goal.

“The first goal was really preventable, something we talked a lot about. The second goal is a wonderful finish, but again, it’s preventable.

“I know the boys will be disappointed with that and it’s about refocusing that energy to find a way back to that this coming weekend.”