Turning point for Walsall pair? - 5 key points from EFL Trophy win at Stevenage

Here are the main talking points from the Saddlers' round of 32 tie in Hertfordshire.

A turning point for Walsall pair? 

Richards has played just 37 minutes across his three cameos from the bench in League Two, but seized his chance on only his third start for the club, all of which have come in the EFL Trophy. 

The 22-year-old, on loan from local rivals Port Vale, demonstrated such composure with both finishes, as he opened his goal scoring account for the Saddlers with a match-winning brace. 

His equaliser just past the hour-mark was set-up by Jake Hollman, who made an immediate impact following his introduction in the second half. 

The Australian has not featured since an underwhelming second half display during a 1-0 home defeat against Northampton Town in the group stage of this competition on October 7. 

It's been a difficult start to life in England for Hollman but he emerged from the bench with a point to prove and delivered a perfectly-weighted pass for Richards to finish with aplomb. 

Big night for Stan Straw 

Mat Sadler has cleverly used the EFL Trophy as a platform to give young players an opportunity without completing removing the element of competition. 

Stan Straw, who only turned 17 in August, acquitted himself excellently in the heart of defence, and demonstrated that he has the potential to mix it with the big boys. 

The youngster was a dominant force in the air, and after featuring three times from the bench in the group stage, impressed on his first senior start for the club. 

Roofe's road to recovery 

Kemar Roofe made his maiden start for Walsall and started in a competitive fixture for the first time since playing for Rangers in April 2024. 

Sadler revealed afterwards that Roofe felt capable of playing the full 90 minutes, but the Walsall boss was not willing to risk him at this early stage of his Walsall career. 

The 32-year-old has been plagued by injuries over the past two years and made a huge step on his road to recovery after joining Walsall on an initial deal until January at the start of last month. 

Jellis returns 

Jamie Jellis made his return as a second half substitute after missing the past four games due to a combination of illness and injury. 

The midfielder has been nursing an abdominal issue for a number of months but got 45 minutes under his belt on his comeback.

In the hat 

Walsall booked their place in the round of 16 of the competition for the second season on the spin. 

They bowed out at this stage to eventual champions Peterborough United last season, losing 4-2 at London Road. 

Details on the draw have not yet been announced, although Walsall could face any of Bristol Rovers, AFC Wimbledon, Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town, Northampton Town or Swindon Town in the Southern section of the draw. 

Colchester United and West Ham United is the only round of 32 tie yet to be played, as the two teams go head-to-head on December 9.