Last night, Walsall secured another three points on the road against Port Vale. The win proved once again that Vale Park is a happy hunting ground for the Saddlers.
However it is the manner of the victory that has impressed many of the supporters, with players giving their all to ensure a victory, that they knew was important to the fans.
The players deserve credit, but so does Matt Taylor, who is everything we wished Darrell Clarke would be.
Spirit, desire, and that word, passion
It became a bit of a joke under Clarke’s time as manager, passion, however last nights performance displayed it in a way we have rarely seen in recent times.
However, the passion on display by the team in their performance against Port Vale was what fans have wanted from the team. Manny Monthe, Joss Labadie and Jack Earing all put their bodies on the line, and covered a lot of ground all night to keep the team going.
This goes back to Taylor. He spoke pre-match about the players realising the importance, and that everyone would be putting in the effort to gain the win. It was a test to see when the pressure was on, if they could respond.
The drive throughout the team has been present all season, however more performances like the one against Port Vale will see Walsall being a tough side to beat.
Not only does the team have this drive, but Taylor himself does too. Each match, win or lose, he shares the result with the fans. This is not patronising, it is meant. He shares our emotion and understands our journey that has led us to where we are.
The journey he is on at Walsall is a shared experience, and each win he celebrates as a fan, and each loss hurts, not in a false way, but a genuine way.
He does not rant and rave to demonstrate his feelings, he uses precise words, and allows the feeling to convey to the fans. This is why we celebrate with him the way we do at the end of a victory, because he feels like one of us.
Rising up the table
All season Taylor has spoken about the project, and what he and his coaching staff are trying to instill into the players. The longer he has this group of players, the more they are understanding it, and the proof is in the table.
Walsall find themselves in the top half of the table this season, and beyond considering the poor second half of last campaign.
In their last 10 games, Walsall have picked up 16 points, and sit ninth in the form charts. This form has put the slow start to the season to bed, and with the next three league games against teams all below them, there is a chance to solidify a top half place.
The play-off’s and promotion may be a stretch, but signs are there of actual growth. Finally.
It is only a good result if it is followed up
Walsall travel to Carlisle at the weekend in a game that is typically one the Saddlers struggle in. Carlisle are bottom of the last 10 games form chart, with no wins, and only four points gained.
Taylor will want another win. His determination to succeed is relentless, and he will be sniffing about three points.
Port Vale was a big moment for Walsall. It showed that the side are capable of winning in a different way, with expectation on them. It is now time to show that at the weekend, as favourites, they can replicate it. If they can, then we can really start to get excited.
Featured image: Walsall FC
That summary is spot on. Something special on the horizon?