Walsall Player Manager Paul Merson was certainly pleased with the point, following the Saddlers’ 1 – 1 draw on Saturday.

“It was always going to be a tough game,” Merson said. “And that’s how it turned out.
We worked like Trojans when we had to defend in the second half, and we played some neat stuff when we were on top in the first.
When we scored, I just knew it would be Chris Westwood. When he goes up for corners, he goes up with the intention of scoring and from where I was, you could see him getting on the end of that one.”

‘Pools Manager Martin Scott certainly agreed about Chris Westwood.

“Chris Westwood scored a good goal against his old mates, but it was great to see him taking it calmly and not getting too excited about it. He’s a great professional and we all wish him well.”

Scott admitted that his team were off the pace in the first half and was glad they picked up in the second.

“The commitment was great, and we might even have won it. But our first-half performance was poor. We have to learn to start games at a faster pace.

This was more like a testimonial than a game with points at stake in the first half,” he added. “But we said a few things at half-time and things got a lot better.

The midfield was again the main talking point for the Saddlers, with changes having been made again, Osborn and Smith starting. Booster Cogburn summed up the performance of the midfield five and most fans seemed to agree with him!

“Smith: Steady if unspectacular. Strong in the tackle and neat with his passing. I’ve seen enough to suggest that he will prove to be a useful acquisition.

Osborn: Was very tidy again. Shame he couldn’t have been this player for the first part of last season.

Jorge: Hardly had much of a kick all game. He is no slouch but I suggest that Wrighty would cause more damage out on the right with his turn of speed, particularly in away games with the opposition full back looking to push on. Jorge is better at tracking back though maybe.

Taylor: Again tidy if unspectacular. Nothing very creative and Standing looked more dangerous when he replaced him.

Wrack: Not the player he was I’m afraid. Hardly ever gives the ball away but seems scared to take players on which leaves us wanting because we look to him to open things up. Perhaps he is being told to play more of a holding role, in which case I apologise to him, but either way we are not getting the best from him”.