Walsall player ratings: One 9 and two 8s in home success over Accrington
George Bennett provides his Walsall player ratings from their 3-2 victory against Accrington Stanley at Bescot.
Jed Ward
Disappointed to have parried Alex Henderson’s free-kick straight to Josh Woods for the leveller, but produced a couple of strong saves in the second half.
Recovered: 7
Rico Browne
A good overlapping run and cross for the first goal, but otherwise had a challenging afternoon and was replaced at half-time due to a calf issue.
Knock: 6
Harrison Burke
Skippered the team and restored the Saddlers’ lead in first half stoppage time with a powerful header. Made a crucial goalmouth intervention at the death.
Skipper: 8
Declan Skura
A threat in both boxes and came close with a header late in the first half. Looking a seriously good pickup on the loan market.
Commanding: 7
Mason Hancock
Improved as the game went on and set-up the second goal with a pinpoint cross for Burke. He also kick-started the move which led to the third goal.
Grew: 8
Sven Sprangler
Another selfless display from the Austrian midfielder. Quietly went about his business recovering the ball and breaking up play.
Selfless: 7
Isaac Moore
Launched himself into battles throughout. Sported a head bandage following a early clash of heads, giving shades of Terry Butcher.
Battled: 8
Courtney Clarke
Nutmegged his marker in the build-up to the opener and was outstanding in the first half, although he did somewhat after the break.
Faded: 7
Tai Sodje
Had two decent chances in the first half and showed great energy in attack after he was given the nod over Andrew Dallas.
Energetic: 7
Reece Smith
Opened the scoring with his first Walsall goal and got through plenty of work off the ball. Set-up the third with a pinpoint cross for Pressley.
Exciting: 9
Aaron Pressley
Had a physical battle on his hands with Farrend Rawson and extended his season tally to three with a superb second half header.
Goal scorer: 7
Substitutes
Elicha Ahui (for Browne, 46)
Strong in the challenge, but was guilty of leaving the back post unmanned when Stefan Mols halved the deficit.
Mixed: 6
Andrew Dallas (for Sodje, 73), Lewis Simper (for Clarke, 73), Albert Adomah (for Smith, 86), Charlie Crew (for Moore, 90)
Unused: Wooster, Furlong.
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