Walsall picked up an impressive 3-0 victory at the weekend against a Colchester side who are struggling.
Typically, these are the games the Saddlers have struggled in, but this time, they managed to get the goals flowing again, and stay tight at the back.
It was exactly what was needed from the side as they got back to winning ways ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
Three players came into the side who performed well, staking a claim for a starting role.
Liam Kinsella
This seems like an obvious one, however after the pairing of Joss Labadie and Jack Earing has proven to be quite successful, Kinsella needed a chance to break back in.
With Labadie out injured, Kinsella rose to the opportunity and showed exactly why he should be starting each game.
His energy, tackling and fight in the middle of the pitch was apparent throughout, and if he can replicate it each match, it should help Walsall in the games to come.
Labadie and Kinsella offer a similar style of play, and playing them together will hamper some attacking play, so it a tough decision will need to be made as to who partners Earing.
Ash Taylor
Taylor has found game time hard to come by, especially as the season has gone on. He has only made seven league starts, with four of these being in the first four games.
With Months not in the match day squad, Taylor, like Kinsella, had a chance to stake a claim, which he did.
His strong defensive display helped the side to a sixth league clean sheet of the season. Clean sheets are important to this side, who barring the odd game, score few goals.
Taylor’s experience can also help sure up the side which has sometimes lacked a way of holding on to a result, however he must keep this level up.
Otis Khan
Finally, the player Walsall fans all wanted to see play at the weekend, Otis Khan.
His two goals and one assist was a display that has been missing in recent weeks, as was the clinical nature.
The two goals saw Khan in the right place at the right time, and with the finishes to match. This instinctive attack minded positioning could be the key to unlocking more points in games where Walsall aren’t clinical enough.
Starting him also meant he could settle in to the game, and play out a game plan.
With his substitute appearances, he has often come on to try and change a match when the opposition are sitting deeper.
This performance shows what he can offer in a first half, rather than as an impact player.
