Walsall player ratings: One 9 and one 8 after 2-2 draw with Crewe

Jed Ward

Great early save to claw away McNeil’s header. Could do nothing about Crewe’s goals but well positioned after the break to deny White.

Confident 7

Elicha Ahui

Strong claims for a penalty turned down midway through first half but got straight up to get in behind and deliver a dangerous cross.

Attack-minded 7

James Connolly

Back on his old stomping ground to a few jeers from the hosts but was straight into his defensive work. Hugely influential at the back.

Important 7

Declan Skura

Good positioning to produce several important clearances. Excellent sense of anticipation. Didn’t reappear for the second half.

Anticipation 6

Mason Hancock

Overlapped well and forming an excellent left-side partnership with Smith. Some excellent deliveries from the left and one great burst the length of the pitch.

Impressive 7

Sven Sprangler

Energetic and combative in the engine room. Keeps things ticking over and keeps Walsall organised.

Solid 7

Charlie Crew

Looked to get on the ball and make things happen which can lead to one or two misplaced passes. But a definite upside with the run and cross which won the penalty and several incisive through-balls.

Decisive 7

Lewis Simper

Tried to make things happen but one shot well off target in the first half before going close following a lovely link-up with Pressley after the break.

Bright 6

Andy Dallas

Was well positioned for first half chance before being crowded out. Provided plenty of support to Pressley and didn’t shirk dropping back on defensive duty.

Hard-working 6

Reece Smith

Always looks dangerous when in possession. Particularly effective on the break with his pace and close control. Key role to keep attack going in move which won penalty and then another assist for the second.

Dangerous 8

Aaron Pressley

A lot of selfless running and early sighter straight at the keeper. Then no mistake from the spot in the first half and a brilliant header in the second. A man very much in form.

Clinical 9

Substitutes

Harrison Burke (for Skura, 46) Never easy as a centre back coming on at half time but handled it effortlessly. Crucial blocks throughout the second period so close to helping secure all three points 7; Tai Sodje (for Dallas, 66); Isaac Moore (for Crew, 66) Albert Adomah (for Smith, 81). Unused: Wooster, Maher, Furlong.