THIS was potentially a tricky game for a suspension-hit Town.
But a crowd bolstered by a schools promotion and in good spirits following some recent performances and Bradford's hugely embarrassing exit from the LDV Trophy against Accrington, watched Town run up to seventh in the table, scoring another three goals and seeing Pav at No1 in the scoring charts.
But this was not the easiest 3-1 win. Following a storm-drenched opening 20 minutes with the only entertainment on show being the Walsall players' attempts at demolishing an advertising board, the sun shone, and Town started to open up the defence.
A stinging Brandon shot was parried to Pav who couldn't miss, and Junior's first League goal quickly followed - well taken after he harried their defence into a tangled mess. His delight at scoring was clear and let's hope for more like it.
After the goals, the game became more open as Walsall finally realised that to win games they have to attack, and prompted by Merson they looked far more likely to score especially in the second half when they created several one-on-ones with Gray, who responded superbly by saving all of them.
By the time Gray was finally beaten by a well-taken Clarke own goal, we were three up. Pav had glided past the keeper and slotted home following a classy through ball from Holdsworth.
The final 20 minutes were a touch edgy. Carrs came on for some match fitness and the vastly under-used Lloyd came into the game a bit more as Town closed things out.
On the whole a performance far more deserving than the pathetic four minutes Radio Leeds gave us for `post-match reaction and analysis.'
A good attacking display from Town, but defensively we were opened up too often for comfort (due perhaps to the unfamiliar line-up), and work will be needed there if we are to push for honours this season.
