Match Analysis - Bristol City 0-1 Walsall

Harrison Burke and Andy Dallas celebrate the Saddlers win at Ashton Gate

Lee Grant began his Walsall tenure with a 1-0 win against Bristol City in the first round of the Carabao Cup thanks to Aaron Pressley's strike in the 47th minute.

Grant opted for a back 5 against the Robins, much to the surprise of the Walsall faithful after playing a back 4 for all the pre season friendlies.

The opening stages showed the fluidity of the Saddlers as they passed the ball around well but were hit by an injury to Ryan Leak in the 31st minute who was replaced by James Connolly. Walsall arguably had the best chance of the first half when Sam Tickle produced a quadruple save and it started to look like it was going to be one of those nights.

Two minutes after the interval, Mason Hancock threaded a ball through to Reece Smith who picked out Aaron Pressley who fire past Bristol City keeper Sam Tickle. Further changes came from the Saddlers with Browne, Crew, Simper and Dallas coming on in the places of Ahui, Moore, Clarke and Smith. Bristol City continued to knock on the door throughout the second half but the Saddlers defence stood strong and a number of saves from Jed Ward kept them at bay leading to Walsall coming out on top.

Personally I think it was a fantastic performance overall, every player knew their roles but one player that really stood out for me was Declan Skura in the middle of the back three. Skura looked very composed and comfortable playing with both feet and his aerial presence proved vital in the closing moments of the match. Sprangler and Moore have developed a good partnership in the middle with Charlie Crew also proving to be a quality option with his passing range. It is a good start to the season but now the Saddlers will look to kick start the league campaign in similar fashion when we make the trip south to Priestfield to take on Gillingham on the 15th of August.

Walsall: Ward, Hancock, Leak (Connolly 31’), Skura, Burke, Ahui (Browne 63’), Sprangler, Moore (Crew 63’), Smith (Dallas 66’), Pressley, Clarke (Simper 63’)

Unused Subs: Kilroy, Sodje, Harper, Adomah

Attendance: 9992 (564 away)