With the absence of last season's three key attackers, Walsall were left in limbo as to how this 2013/14 season would unfold. That was until today when the Saddlers picked up exactly where they left off at the end of last season. A 3-1 win over Tranmere Rovers means Walsall have still only lost 2 competitive matches in the year 2013. Despite the loss of Will Grigg and his amazing goal tally last season, Craig Westcarr filled in and produced 2 well taken goals to continue from his fine form in pre-season.
To add to that Milan Lalkovic shined on his debut, on loan from Chelsea, producing the assist for Westcarr's second strike as well as firing one home himself. The tricky winger/striker terrified the Tranmere back four all afternoon, as did Ashley Hemmings and James Baxendale on both wings.
The pace of Lalkovic, Hemmings and Baxendale forced the Tranmere side to revert to foul tactics just to slow down the incoming attacks. By the games end, several Tranmere players had fouled their names into the referee's notebook.
While Tranmere had their spells, most potently to start the 2nd half before they seemed to run out of gas as well as ideas, they never seemed likely to take anything from the game, as Walsall's fluent play shone throughout.
Straight from the off Walsall were attacking down the left hand side with Mal Benning, Hemmings and Lalkovic combining before winning a corner. From the resulting set piece, Adam Chambers had enough time to sweep the ball in Westcarr's direction. With no one near him the striker lashed the ball past Fon Williams in goal to send Walsall 1-0 up after just 2 minutes.
The tempo was set early and Lalkovic continued to cause problems while the whole team oozed confidence.
Pass after pass, almost always led to a chance. Sam Mantom, Adam Chambers and Westcarr were all on target only to be denied by an inspired Fon Williams.
The inevitable second came on 25 minutes when the ball came in to Westcarr who with his back to the goal layed it off to Lalkovic to fire into the bottom corner.
Tranmere then began to push, but lacking quality in their work, everything they did seemed rushed, as opposed to Walsall who were playing with ease.
Then on 40 minutes a free kick was awarded to Tranmere near the by-line. Set piece specialist Andy Robinson stepped up and magnificently curled the ball into the top corner from the tight angle.
Suddenly Walsall were needing to ride the storm, as several players began to lose their touch with nerves setting in.
Walsall held out till half time although Tranmere never really offered a serious chance before the break.
Tranmere began the second half with renewed purpose and should have tested keeper Richard O'Donnell when a free kick to the back post was volleyed wide by Akpa-Akpro.
Then as Walsall began to gel once again the chances began to flow in a similar smooth rhythm to their passing.
Eventually the ball was fed into Lalkovic who spun and slipped it through to Westcarr who poked the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1 and calm any worries of a Tranmere comeback.
For the remaining minutes of the game, Walsall always looked most likely to score next as they continued to pile forward, forcing several corners, although the chance to make it 4-1 never quite arrived.
With many high quality performances, Walsall fans left delighted. Not one player on the team played poorly so stating who impressed would take all day. All in all it was a great team performance.
Next up for the Saddlers is a trip to Port Vale on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup 1st round. Kick-off 19:15.
Man of the Match: Although every player was key to the victory, Craig Westcarr's two goals and one assist mean that the striker takes the award for me.
Walsall 3
Westcarr 2' 70
Lalkovic 25'
Tranmere 1
Robinson 40'
