This was a much improved second half performance, but it wasn’t enough for the Saddlers to get a share of the points.

Sonko had come on for Dobson in the second half and had a good game, as the possession improved and the pressure was taken off the central defenders.

Royce, in the Gillingham goal, decided to have an excellent match, adding to his superb first half save from Deeney two more in the second period, Butler being especially unlucky.

Darren Wrack even found time to hit the woodwork just before the end, but the Saddlers just couldn’t find that scoring touch again. The chances were arriving, but just not being taken.

The problems of not having enough cover for Dobson and Sonner was obvious again, however, as Bradley and Wrack would seem to be our only alternatives.

The Fat Controller reporting from the ground.

Whatever the reason for leaving Danny Sonner out of the 16 for this game, it’s certainly backfired so far, as we’ve failed to get any meaningful possession in midfield and the ball just is not sticking up front.

Bradley has been looking as if this is a step too far for him at the moment and Deeney, in for Demontagnac, has also struggled to make an impact, although he did force the keeper into one great save, tipping the ball onto the post.

Fox, returning to the left wing and taking Hall’s place in the team, has been the pick of the midfield by some distance and scored a superb equaliser out of nothing, lashing the ball home from 25 yards.

The central defenders have been under real pressure in the air and that has led to a lot of uncertainty with Ince as well.

Things need to improve second half, although, with such an attacking bench (all wingers and strikers), that might be difficult.