"Proud" - Lee Grant reacts after registering first home win as Walsall boss

Lee Grant says he was “really proud” of the way Walsall rose to the challenge during their 3-2 victory over Accrington Stanley at Bescot.

Reece Smith opened the scoring after eight minutes when he seized on Aaron Pressley’s rebounded effort to net his first goal for Walsall.

Josh Woods cancelled his early opener out just four minutes later, but Harrison Burke restored the Saddlers’ lead deep into first half stoppage time with a powerful header.

Aaron Pressley extended Walsall’s advantage with a glancing header after the break, before Stefan Mols halved the deficit with an immediate response.

Tempers threatened to overboil on a number of occasions, but Grant was pleased to see his side overcome the challenges presented to them.

“Really proud of the group. The lads were excellent and if ever there was a game that typifies or characterises the division then it was that one.

“Lots of goals, some leniency from the ref in moment, physicality and lots of running effort. It was an enjoyable game.

He continued: “I think the team have a sense that that is the direction they want to go. I’m pleased about that because they want to score goals, they want to attack teams.

“You know it’s not easy, especially against teams as physical as the one we faced today.

“But we did a good job of showing calmness in the right moments. We created lots of opportunities and we score three.

“We dominated the game in reality and we probably should score more if we’re being greedy, but I’m also not daft with the way that Accrington play that you can concede goals.

“It’s coming in your box from everywhere and anywhere and it’s coming into your area in the first minute and the last minute.”