Walsall player ratings: Three 7s and two 4s in Salford defeat
George Bennett provides his Walsall player ratings from their 4-2 defeat against League Two leaders Salford City at Bescot.
Jed Ward
Produced a series of saves - including an outstanding finger-tip stop to deny Luke Molyneux in the first half, but ultimately shipped four goals.
Unlucky: 6
Declan Skura
Deputised at right-back again due to Elicha Ahui’s suspension, but clearly looks better when deployed in the heart of defence.
Deputised: 5
Ryan Leak
Recalled to the team and made some important early interceptions, but lost his way as he allowed Kallum Cesay to get goal-side for the third Salford goal.
Faded: 4
James Connolly
Headed a number of his clearances into danger and looked uncharacteristically shaky after such a strong start to the season.
Shaky: 4
Mason Hancock
Sat off Luke Molyneux for the opener, but was a creative outlet for Walsall, as he set-up Lewis Simper’s equaliser with an excellent cross.
Threat: 7
Sven Sprangler
The Austrian seems to have gone off the boil in recent weeks. He looked passive and was also sloppy on the ball at times.
Passive: 5
Isaac Moore
Looked really bright in the first 40 minutes, but was guilty of not tracking the run of Macauley Langstaff for the Salford opener.
Switched off: 6
Courtney Clarke
Created a glorious chance for Aaron Pressley in the first half with a clever pass in behind, but was caught dawdling on the ball by Jorge Grant the second Salford goal.
Pickpocketed: 6
Tai Sodje
Grew into the game. Snatched at his only chance of note, but outwitted Dan Scarr when he battled to reach the by-line and set-up Aaron Pressley to score.
Grew: 6
Reece Smith
Struggled to support Hancock defensively in the first half and was weak when he was beaten in the air prior to Salford’s third.
Difficult: 5
Aaron Pressley
Dragged a golden chance wide, but was impressive with his back to goal and extended his season tally to nine with a predatory finish.
Goal scorer: 7
Substitutes
Lewis Simper (for Clarke, 58)
Headed in the equaliser for his first league goal and looked to drive Walsall forward following his introduction from the bench
Bright: 7
Charlie Crew (for Sprangler, 58)
Was weak with his marking for the fourth goal, as Adebola Oluwo towered above him to score.
Exposed: 6
Other subs: Andy Dallas (for Sodje, 71), James Furlong (Leak, 71).
Not used: Tom Wooster. Harrison Burke, Albert Adomah.
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