LEE CLARK hailed Town’s spirit – if not their performance – as his side returned to the automatic promotion places.

Kevin Kilbane, Jamie McCombe, Peter Clarke and Jordan Rhodes scored as Town went second with their third straight League I win and fourth in all competitions.

“Over the last few weeks, we haven’t been playing to our full potential, but we’re still winning matches and ultimately, that’s what it’s all about,” said the manager.

“What’s really disappointing is that we gave away two poor goals through defending too deep.

“For the first (scored by Alex Nicholls in the 14th minute) we didn’t stay with their runner.

“The second (by Matt Richards in the 47th minute) was an excellently-taken free-kick, but we gave it away well within shooting range and we knew he was capable of that kind of strike.

“Walsall put us under a fair bit of pressure in the period after that, but we showed good character as well as flashes of our passing game, which allowed us to set up some chances.

“The last few performances certainly haven’t been vintage, but over the course of a season, successful sides have to grind out wins, and we’re doing that.

“We’re pleased. It’s been a good start to 2011 and we’re still unbeaten.”

It was on-loan Hull midfielder Kilbane’s first Town goal and Clark said: “He stepped onto the ball and showed what an athletic player he still is. He also showed composure and he’s already been very influential, not just with his quality but also his experience.”

Clark brought McCombe and Alan Lee back into the starting side and began with a 4-3-3 formation, explaining: “I knew we had an advantage height-wise and that we could use it at set-plays.

“Both Jamie and Peter Clarke’s goals came from corners, and both deliveries (by Anthony Pilkington and Gary Roberts respectively) were good enough to put Walsall under pressure, which is very pleasing.

“Alan Lee is a different type of striker in that he puts himself about and puts pressure on the opposition defenders.

“Of course I would like to see him score some goals – he would as well – but he still did his bit.”

Lee was replaced by Rhodes after 68 minutes, with the top scorer going on to make it 16 for the season.

“Jordan came on with fresh legs and you could see what a predator he is,” continued Clark.

“He gets into the danger zone, scored one and could have had another.

“A game lasts 90 minutes and I knew things were likely to open up over the last 20, and Jordan took advantage.

“Some players stand out and some do the ugly side, but it takes all kinds of contributions to win games.”