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.