Talking points: Tai Sodje scores again, officiating nightmare and set piece concern

Tai Sodje scored for Walsall to salvage a 1-1 draw against Swindon Town at the County Ground.

The 23-year-old netted his maiden league goal for the Saddlers on 55 minutes, after Aaron Drinan had fired Swindon into the lead early on.

Aaron Pressley was denied a goal despite his effort clearly crossing the line and Connor Ripley had a lucky escape after catching Sodje with a high tackle inside the box.

Here are the key talking points...

Sodje scores again

Sodje was given the nod in attack, after scoring his first two goals during the Saddlers’ 3-2 victory over Fulham under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.

He seized his opportunity with both hands, after scoring his third goal in a week with his first for the Saddlers in League Two.

His half-volley which forced a smart finger tip stop from Connor Ripley was the visitors’ best chance of the first half and he was invariably at the heart of the drama in the second half.

It’s been a big week for the former Manchester City academy product, who has had to bide his time since joining from non-league Buxton in the summer.

Officiating nightmare

Walsall have every right to feel aggrieved after two decisions ultimately cost them.

Aaron Pressley had a goal ruled out despite his effort clearly crossing the line, before Sodje, who was seemingly adjudged to have been in an offside position, tapped in.

Lee Grant received a yellow card for his protests, but had further reason to complain when Connor Ripley caught Sodje with a high challenge just inside the Swindon box.

The referee was unmoved and instead awarded a corner. It was a stonewall penalty and Grant stated afterwards that Ripley had told him that he was perhaps fortunate to remain on the pitch.

Set piece concern

Walsall were excellent at defending set pieces in their opening seven games, but have now conceded twice from dead ball situations in the last three.

Bobby Faulker converted Will Vaulks’ corner with a towering near post header in the draw at Tranmere Rovers and Walsall switched off following Mitch Clark’s long throw after just five minutes at Swindon.

Aaron Pressley was unable to clear convincingly and Walsall were hesitant in shutting down Stephan Negru, who got to the by-line to square for Drinan to score.

Another draw

The sheer amount of draws are seriously beginning to undermine the achievement of going unbeaten in the first 10 games.

This latest stalemate at Swindon was the Saddlers’ seventh in total - and third in succession.

Defensive quandary

Declan Skura started at right-back again and that defensive reshuffle appeared to upset the balance during the first half.

Elicha Ahui was introduced at half-time and Skura moved back into the centre of the defence alongside James Connolly in the second half.

Walsall looked much more solid defensively as a result and Ahui produced one of his strongest performances.