Saddlers stand firm to see off the Mariners

Walsall and Grimsby are two well organised teams looking to improve on their previous seasons outings and have two managers who are not afraid to speak their minds.

It was a hard fought game, where both teams did their best to secure a successful opening day, however, one team edged it, claiming the three points.

Walsall and Grimsby met only once last season, which saw a resounding 3-1 win for Mariners. But this time around, it was a much improved and settled Walsall team that claimed the victory. So what made the difference in this match? For me, it was the Saddlers formation.

Walsall lined up in a 4-2-3-1, which they did use at times last season, but was not the preferred formation. It would appear that this will be how the Saddlers set out their stall for the season to come, however with a manager like Darrell Clarke, you expect a surprise of two along the road. The recruitment by Clarke and his team has lent itself to this formation. Rory Holden returning on a permanent deal, would indicate that they want to play with a proper No.10. Emmanuel Osadebe is also a player that can play across the attacking midfield, and in a 4-2-3-1, his versatility makes him very important to this system. Then when you add Wes McDonald, Josh Gordon, and young Jack Nolan into the mix, the attacking midfield looks sorted.

Having numbers when going forward, was the main reason behind the goal. Walsall were putting crosses in, and keeping the ball in and around the Grimsby box, keeping the pressure up. The ball was worked out wide, with Wes McDonald feeding Holden in the box. Holden’s looping cross was met by Norman, who’s first time pass across goal found Adebayo, who tapped in from two yards. A simple finish, but the build up to it was well worked, and effective.

Having the midfield splitting into three attacking players, and two holding players, means that the team can stand firm when defending, but break in numbers when going forward, something that they used to great effect against Grimsby. The Saddlers created some great opportunities, but they also limited Grimsby to shots from range, or half chances. Liam Roberts was rarely tested, and when he was called into action, they were crosses or simple saves. Grimsby were also thwarted by the likes of Cameron Norman, who put his body on the line to block shots, and keep the ball away from the Saddlers goal. It is credit to the Walsall defence, that with the likes of Matt Green and Sean Scannell, they didn’t create any golden opportunities.

The criticism that can be made, is that if Walsall are wanting to be in the hunt for the play-offs, that they need to bury the chances they create. Despite scoring, Elijah Adebayo could have had bagged a brace, after a one on one save by James McKeown and Caolan Lavery will feel he could have made the score-sheet, after putting a shot over the bar, and having a header cleared off the line. Josh Gordon also missed a couple of chances, but they were not as clear cut. These are the differences between a good, and a great season, and something the Darrell Clarke did talk about post-match:

“It’s mixed emotions. Obviously delighted to win the game but I’m disappointed with our final third play at times.

We didn’t look after it like we can. We’ve had numerous chances to be deadly with the final pass.

I said to the boys in the changing rooms, be rewarded for your hard work, your hard graft.

What I mean by that is, finish the opportunities you get.”

Grimsby played some good stuff at times, and their fans will see signs that are there. After an even first half, they really upped the pace in the second half, and their wide players were getting into some good positions. They hit the post late on, through a James Tilley low shot from range. Earlier on, Matt Green tested Roberts, after a good run forward, however it is a save that would be expected of any League Two keeper.

Walsall face high flying Harrogate next week, who come off the back of a 4-0 win over Southend. Both teams will be looking to make it two wins from two. Grimsby meanwhile take on Salford, with both teams looking for their first wins of the season.

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