Walsall debrief: Patience pays off and playmaker is key

Here, we dissect the action from the Broadfield Stadium.

Patience paid off

Walsall conceded twice inside the first 15 minutes in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Newport County, but avoided doing the same courtesy of a patient and measured start.

That created the platform for them to move into the ascendency midway into the first half.

Hutchinson was the catalyst during Walsall’s sustained period of pressure and they ultimately earned their just rewards.

Hutchinson’s heavy shoulders

The goalscoring onus has very much landed on Hutchinson’s shoulders since Freddie Draper was recalled by Lincoln City.

Walsall have scored just four times in five games since Draper’s departure, as opposed to 11 in the three games prior.

Hutchinson forced two smart saves from Corey Addai, before calmly converting from the spot before the break.

He extended his season tally to 13 in all competitions and maintained his 100 per cent record from 12 yards.

Second-half slump

Walsall lacked the intensity that they showed during the last final 30 minutes of the first half.

Crawley grew in confidence as a result and the introduction of Jack Roles provided them with an extra spark in the final third.

Brandon Comley failed to prevent his cross from entering the penalty area and Danilo Orsi was first to pounce as he beat Donervon Daniels to the ball. Liam Kelly was afforded an abyss of space to smash Orsi’s cutback beyond Jackson Smith as Walsall sacrificed a lead for the second away match in succession.

Holding on for a draw

Ross Tierney had a sighter from distance, but the best opportunities fell to Crawley late on.

Substitute Harry Forster had two of them – sending one wide from the edge of the box, before being foiled by Smith. Walsall dug into earn a point, but concern will only continue to grow as their five-match winless run in League Two rumbles on.