The second half was very much a repeat of the first as the Saddlers completed an efficient and welcome opening day victory.

From the moment Hector Sam set up Martin Butler to score early in the second half, this game was only ever going to end in one way. Butler’s second spell at the club has, therefore, started in the same way as his first, scoring against Rochdale!

Calyon Ince had one easy, regulation save to make in the second 45 minutes to complete an easy afternoon for him, but, at the other end, Sam was inches away from converting a Butler cross as he tried to return the favour of the goal and Mark Wright hit the post.

Rochdale had the better of the possession after half time, but the Saddlers never looked in any real trouble and the defence was very, very solid.

According to the Fat Controller, it’s very difficult to pick a man of the match, as Dobson was outstanding and Butler and Sam ran their socks off, but his vote, in the end, had to go with the new man, Allen Picken. Just over seven days ago, he was still in Australia and his lack of training with us started to show towards the end, as he tired, but he is dominating and composed and a real footballing centre half. Money has chosen well.

The season has started in the way everyone would have hoped, with a competant, hard working performance and the Saddlers being the class side in the game. The contrast after the last two seasons couldn’t have been greater.

The Fat Controller reported in that it’s been virtual one way traffic in the Saddlers favour during the first half.

Walsall have dominated possession, winning a suceesion of corners, but have not yet been able to make that count.

The defence has had little to do, but new signing Picken has stood out, looking calm and assured on the ball. He seems to be a “footballing” centre half.

Despite their pre season, Sam and Butler haven’t really hit it off this afternoon, but that may have more to do with the fact that we are lacking a creative spark in midfield, despite the domination of Dobson and Kinsella.

Butler and Sam have gone close, while Gerrard, on the stroke of half time, drew a superb save from the Rochdale keeper.

A little more composure in the final third may yet see three points being brought back down the M6.

Manager Richard Money has decided to go with all five of his available new signings at Rochdale this afternoon. The Saddlers will line up:-

Ince, Pead, Gerrard, Picken, Taylor, Wright, Dobson (capt.), Kinsella, Fox, Sam, Butler.

The bench is:

Keates, Constable, Demontagnac, Dann, McKeown.

The interesting points are the apparant decision to go with Tayor at full back and Fox on the wing and, of course, Dobson being named captain.