'Rotation key and Hollman conundrum' - 5 things we learned from Walsall's EFL Trophy defeat

Kamarai Swyer left it late to bend a beautiful effort into the top corner in the 88th-minute to condemn the Saddlers to defeat. 

Here are the main talking points from the game.

Opportunity missed 

Northampton established a three-point gap at the top of Group C in the Southern section, leaving Walsall in second spot. 

Victory would've secured progression to the next round for Walsall, who should still progress with victory over Chelsea under-21s in their final game.

Walsall face the Blues academy side on October 28, while Northampton conclude their campaign with the visit of Shrewsbury Town. 

Shrewsbury are locked on three points with Walsall, who sit above them in the group on goal difference.

Rotation key 

It's clear that the EFL Trophy is not at the top of Mat Sadler's list of priorities - hence why Walsall made a total of 10 changes. 

At least this competition provides him with the platform to survey his fringe options, and perhaps more importantly, rest key personnel. 

Myles Roberts, Aden Flint, Lewis Warrington, Charlie Lakin, Connor Barrett and Aaron Pressley were not involved and will all be fresh for the weekend trip to Crawley Town.

Harrison Burke (knee) and Daniel Kanu (calf) will also be assessed over the coming days. 

Mixed night for fringe players 

It was a mixed night for those looking to break in from the shadows and stake a claim. 

Priestley Farquharson performed well at the back during the first 45, as did Rico Browne on the right of defence. 

Browne did struggle once he switched over to the left after the break, as Sadler used the opportunity to experiment. 

Rico Richards showcased his quality in glimpses, but clearly getting a full 90 minutes into his legs was more important than the performance itself. 

Courtney Clarke has been an explosive option from the bench in midfield, but saw his shortcomings exposed at wing-back. 

His direct style is exciting to watch, and sometimes effective, but there is definitely room for improvement in terms of his decision-making. 

The same can be said for Jid Okeke, who had a challenging evening in a variety of positions. The Stockport County loanee started at left wing-back, swapped sides with Clarke after the break, and finished the game at right centre-back. 

Hollman conundrum 

Sadler revealed after the game that Jake Hollman's work permit prevents him from leaving the club on loan this season. 

That could prove a problem for a player who is clearly going to struggle for minutes outside of the cup competitions. 

The Australian midfielder flattered to deceive during his second half showing and has not featured in the league since a cameo from the bench in a 1-0 defeat against Grimsby Town on August 19. 

A view to the future 

One of the positives of the night was the fact that Sadler was able to hand home debuts to academy scholars Stan Straw and McLloyd Oben. 

Straw acquitted himself relatively well in the second half after replacing Farquharson at half-time, while Oben was able to play the closing stages in holding midfield. 

Sadler has earmarked this competition as a platform to provide academy players with minutes and has stuck to that promise so far.