THIS was a scintillating game.
However, a great start petered out in the second half - an all too frequent pattern.
I applauded Peter Jackson's decision to continue with three up front, surely the right approach against a side low on confidence. However, tactics must be adapted during the game in the light of changing circumstances.
When we went two ahead for the second time, one of the front three should have been pulled back to allow Steve Yates to remain in the backline - too often we were being caught three on three at the back while failing to close down the Saddlers' runners in that dangerous area between the box and the half-way line.
The room given to Paul Merson, who at 36 remains a class act, was inexplicable.
The other defensive issue, and one that has manifested itself all season, was a tendency for the defenders to bunch around the ball, ceding the far wing. This ultimately proved costly when Matty Fryatt slotted the winner from the right.
Following Walsall's 50th minute equaliser, the need for substitutions was strongly signalled as Town started to lose their shape. Replacing Fowler and Abbott with Schofield and Mendes seemed in order.
There are varying views on Mendes; I should like to see him tried in the hole behind a front two where his pace could damage defences.
One theme that has emerged is the need for a much earlier use of the three substitutes; both to change the flow of the game and to replace tired legs.
Each match has its good features, and this one illustrated what a potent attack we have when at its best.
The challenge for the team management now is to blend that attacking force with a more secure defensive formation.
