Saddlers lined up with Leitao in a floating role, playing right midfield when we lost possession and up-front when we had the ball.

Both sides had chances in a lively opening, with the Saddlers noticeably trying to build from the back while the pace of Ricky Shakes caused plenty of problems down Walsall’s vulnerable left hand side where full-back Taylor and winger Wrack were both playing out of position.

On loan Man Utd. Keeper Heaton saved well from Fryatt and then watched as Gerrard blasted a deflected effort over following a Merson corner.

Swindon’s other on-loan Man U starlet Colin Heath was lucky to escape a red-card midway through the half when he threw the ball away having already been booked for a cynical pull-back on Pead.

As the Saddlers continued to shade things approaching the half-hour Wrack headed against the post following a great cross from Taylor when he really should have scored.

As the half threatened to peter out Walsall continued to force plenty of corners which looked the most likely route to a breakthrough. However, from open play the presence of Merson was again restricting the influence of Standing and Wrack who were both largely anonymous as an attacking force, while Jorge also struggled with his role

Half-time verdict, lots of pretty football but apart from the set-pieces not enough substance, a couple of costly misses by Wrack and Gerrard.