Walsall talking points: The goals return in first home win of the season
The key talking points from the Saddlers’ () against Accrington Stanley at Bescot.
Lee Grant claimed his first home win as Walsall boss with a 3-2 triumph over Accrington Stanley at Bescot.
Reece Smith and Harrison Burke scored for Walsall in the first half, after Josh Woods had equalised for the visitors.
Aaron Pressley doubled the Saddlers’ lead after the break, before Stefan Mols halved the deficit.
Here are the key talking points from the victory...
First home win
Lee Grant has his first home win as Walsall boss and his side really had to fight for it.
It turned into a feisty battle at times, but Walsall showed a healthy aggression to overcome challenges in the game.
Walsall ended a six-match winless run on home soil and registered their first maximum points at Bescot since March 21.
Clarke stock continues to rise
Courtney Clarke had had an excellent start to the season and he was very much the danger man for Walsall in the first half, although he did fade a little after the break.
He was instrumental in starting the move that led to the Saddlers’ opening goal, as he deceived his man with the slickest of nutmegs before finding Rico Browne on the overlap.
According to reports elsewhere, Clarke has been linked with a move to League One outfit Bromley, who had also been interested in signing him prior to his move to Walsall in 2025.
It comes as very little surprise considering his red hot form, but Walsall must hold firm because he has and will continue to be a very important player this season.
Smith off the mark
Smith opened his goal scoring account for the club and took his finish really well, after following up inside the box.
It crowned a strong performance from the Walsall winger, who put in a tireless shift both on and off the ball.
With two pacy wingers, with a trick or two up their sleeve, Walsall definitely look like they could be a threat out wide this season.
The goals are back
The past two goalless draws against Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient had prompted concerns over the lack of a clinical touch in the final third.
But Walsall showed that they had rediscovered their confidence in front of goal, even if in the long-run another centre-forward is needed before transfer deadline day on Tuesday.
Aaron Pressley is really stepping up to the challenge though, extending his season tally to three with a glancing header early in the second half.
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