Shrewsbury 1-3 Walsall - player ratings: Five 8s in victorious EFL Trophy opener

SAM HORNBY 

Powerless to prevent Bradley Ihionvien from equalising but produced a string of saves to deny Tommy McDermott in the first half.

Key: 8

RICO BROWNE 

Made a crucial block on the line to thwart McDermott and made more defensive contributions than any player on the pitch (14).

Solid: 8

PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON 

Launched an early move which led to the Saddlers;' opener with a measured long ball but was forced off with a groin issue before half-time.

Injury blow: 6

DAN COX 

Left striker Ihionvien unmarked inside the box to allow the Shrewsbury debutant to head home but improved as the game wore on.

OK: 6

COURTNEY CLARKE 

Allowed Mal Benning too much space to cross for Shrewsbury's equaliser, but showed promising signs, especially once he pushed up into midfield.

Promising: 7

RYAN FINNIGAN 

Needed just four minutes to score on his first start and dealt with his defensive duties well in the centre of the park.

First goal: 7

JAKE HOLLMAN 

Struggled physically at times and was caught in possession on a couple of occasions, but looked a lot sharper once he grew into the game.

Grew: 6 

RONAN MAHER 

Knocking on the door of the first team. Did well at left wing-back and was heavily involved in the build-up to Walsall's opener.

Good: 7

ALBERT ADOMAH 

Burst into life midway into the second half, pouncing on a loose pass to score his 100th club career goal, before setting up Jid Okeke for Walsall's third.

Milestone: 8

JAMILLE MATT 

Won an early flick-on to play a key role in the build-up to Finnigan's opener and struck another chance into the side netting from an acute angle.

Mixed: 6

Substitutes: Straw (for Farquharson, 45 +2) 8; Oben (for Comley, 62) 7; Okeke (for Finnigan, 62) 8; Wragg (for Adomah, 87).

Not used: Roberts, Burke, Makavore.