Lee Grant hails ‘outstanding’ Walsall display in first game in charge

Lee Grant praised the resilience of his Walsall side after launching his time as head coach with a shock Carabao Cup first-round success over Championship Bristol City.

The League Two side, who fielded seven debutants, earned a second-round place through Aaron Pressley’s 47th-minute strike, a close-range finish from Reece Smith’s low cross, and some hugely committed defending, particularly in the closing stages.

Grant said: “I told the lads before the game that it was our first as a group and we needed to show people what we were all about.

“They did just that. We needed strong performances from each player against a very good team two divisions above us and a good display from our goalkeeper, which we got.

“I am not thinking ahead to the league programme just yet, but clearly there were encouraging signs. The collective effort was outstanding.”

City, themselves with five debutants in the starting line-up, were unable to capitalise on plenty of pressure and a succession of late corners, making it a frustrating start for new boss Michael Skubala.

He said: “It was very frustrating. We created a lot of chances, but lacked enough quality and desire to get on the end of things in the final third.

“There were good things. When we went a goal down we started to move the ball quickly through the lines.

“I hadn’t seen Yu Hirakawa play a game in pre-season and he did really well when he came on. But overall it was disappointing.”