It was an excellent performance with bags of intensity in both halves. Harrogate upped the pace in the second half but still struggled to create chances against a solid defence boosted by “The Priest.” Priestly Farquarson returned to the starting line up after a torrid injury record for the Saddlers.
Mat Sadler had nursed him back to fitness with cameos and it seemed like he was protecting him in case Aden Flint had an injury, but the inclusion of the Priest improved an already solid defence,
The change with Jid Okeke starting and Connor Barrett sitting on the bench must have been as big a surprise to Harrogate as it was to me. The change worked extremely well and with limited defensive duties, Okeke’s flair going forward was a great asset.
Lewis Warringon returned to CDM, Moving Charlie Lakin back into his more favourable left side of Midfield, both impressed, but the fourth change was arguable the most significant. Elvis had been struggling of late and a hamstring issue gave Jamille Matt a rare start.
Jamma led the line very well and his flick from Aden Flint’s headed clearance was flicked on for Daniel Kanu to work his magic and break the deadlock to set Walsall on their way.
S&S Steelstock Performance – 8/10 awarded by Barry Collins of S&S steelstock
Man of the Match – “The Priest” scored the 2nd to seal the game, but didn’t put a foot wrong all game and deserved the clean sheet.
Moment that made me smile – This was selected by my Cousin Craig who joined us for the game and the laughable refereeing, especially when The Priest was barged off the pitch with a heavy push and didn’t win a foul, the ref just seconds later gave Walsall a free kick after he pushed a Harrogate player to the floor. Typical League Two reffing.
