Walsall analysis: Mat Sadler's bold selections calls pay off in Harrogate

It was somewhat surprising just how drastically he shuffled his pack, but he struck upon a winning formula, as his replacements rose to the challenge.

Priestley Farquharson was handed his first league start in over 15 months and marked an important milestone with the second goal to clinch maximum points. 

The defender has had a challenging time with injury since he joined Walsall in 2023, but hopefully this will finally be the point that he can prove just how good he actually is.

He performed excellent on only his 30th league appearance for the club. He showcased supreme athleticism and developed a really good understanding with Aden Flint. 

The two towering centre-backs provided Walsall with an authority in defence and presented Evan Weir with the license to venture forward from time to time.

Jamille Matt also made his first league start of the campaign at the expense of Aaron Pressley, who missed out due to a hamstring injury.

Pressley suffered the injury in training on Thursday and will head for a scan on Monday, with an updated expected later in the week. 

Perhaps the introduction of Matt would have happened regardless of whether Pressley was injured or not, but the signing of Kemar Roofe now appears more timely than ever. 

There was always a fear that Walsall could leave themselves short in attack if injury were to strike, but Roofe can help fill that void.

36-year-old Matt performed well with his back to goal and played an instrumental role in the build-up to Daniel Kanu's opening goal at the end of the first half. 

Flint, who was a dominant force in the air once again, cushioned the ball down into the feet of Matt. He slotted a through ball into the path of Kanu, who demonstrated his scintillating speed to streak away from the Harrogate defence.

He remained calm at the decisive moment, twisting and turning his marker into a state of dizziness, before steering an unerring finish into the far bottom corner. 

It was good to see Kanu get on the score sheet again. The Charlton Athletic loanee brought his season tally to seven goals in all competitions with his fourth goal in six appearances. 

Walsall deserved their lead too. Ryan Finnigan had had a goal dubiously ruled out and Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw had produced a pair of outstanding saves to deny Finnigan and Charlie Lakin. 

The goal also arrived at a good time, as did the second goal, which relieved the nerves ahead of what could've otherwise been a nail-biting finale. 

Admittedly, Harrogate struggled to put up much of a fight, but Walsall did deprive them of the opportunity to play. The midfield dynamics worked much better, especially with Lewis Warrington at the base of the trio. 

Warrington had the best pass competition rate (82 per cent) for Walsall - according to FotMob - and quietly went about his business letting out fires between the defence and the two eights. 

His no-thrills style means he won't always get the plaudits, but his return did help shore things up in the centre of the park. That being said, Sadler was still smart to replace him midway into the second half after his booking, and Brandon Comley picked up the baton with a smart cameo from the bench. 

Jid Okeke was another who impressed. He was one of the few positives from the setback against Colchester United and he once again proved a nightmare to defend against. 

This is not the first time that I've made the comparison, but his style is reminiscent of former loanee Nathan Asiimwe. He is two-footed, tricky with his feet and frighteningly fast, and his vibrant performance, particularly in the first half-hour, was key to the Saddlers starting on the front-foot. 

Harrogate's best period came early in the second half, but Walsall defended well and soaked up the pressure. It was a professional performance and another illustration of how good Walsall are at defending a lead. 

Walsall had conceded first in each of their six league games prior, although they have not sacrificed a lead in League Two so far this term. 

Myles Roberts was not made to work particularly hard for his fourth clean sheet of the season and his first shutout in 10 league outings. 

The Watford loanee was forced into action just once, but did deal with every cross Harrogate did deliver into the danger area. 

In reality, Walsall will face much tougher tests. Harrogate are slogging it out at the bottom end of the division and the visit of an in-form Bromley will likely prove a much harder prospect next weekend. 

But as far as responses go, Walsall returned to the basics and reaped the reward for a solid display. It was just the Saddlers' second win in six in the league, but it was enough to help them reclaim top spot. 

Walsall leapfrogged Swindon Town ahead of the 3pm kick-offs and remained at the summit after the Robins blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Grimsby Town later in the day.