Walsall left the bottom feeders of League One trailing in their wake with a performance containing enough quality to inspire whetted appetites for the upcoming fixtures.

There was already an expectant air as the game kicked off at a mild autumnal Bescot with Michael Ricketts making his reappearance alongside Mooney in a regulation 4-4-2. Within 10 minutes the ground was rocking.

The lively Wrack posted a statement of intent, stinging Higgs gloves from 25 yards on 5 minutes, before Mooney delivered the first episode of the pre-match script, finishing expertly from the spot following a needless trip on Bradley. Of course that was our Tommy’s 200th career goal and it was a pleasure to see such a great pro achieve that personal milestone wearing a Walsall shirt, but more of him later.

The next 25 minutes or so saw the Saddlers probe and paw at their opponents like an over-fed cat with an unfortunate mouse. It was good, but could have been so much better had we just put Cheltenham out of their misery. Mooney drifted a header wide, Ricketts made a fool of his marker to test Higgs and then contrived to hit the bar following a sumptuous Sonko cross that begged for conversion.

Upon that miss the Saddlers endured an uncomfortable spell either side of half-time conceding a succession of free-kicks in home territory. The nagging doubts over our failure to put the game to bed became further manifest when Cheltenham came out for the second-half swinging like a boxer high on smelling salts.

We needn’t have worried. Walsall counter-punched with crisp interplay noticeably between Bradley and Ricketts who were developing a good understanding. They combined superbly for the debutant to force Higgs into further action with a dipping shot and moments later the knock out blow was landed.

Bradley again did the job of linking midfield with attack, this time releasing Sonko to deliver another perfect cross to which Mooney’s deft finish was a fitting compliment.

Mooney’s earlier goal may have entered him into the footballing halls of fame, the quality of this finish and his overall contribution to Walsall FC this season already sees him on the verge of cult hero status at Bescot.

The rest of the game was all about near misses, Wrack, Mooney, and Hall all came close to delivering 3-0 at 12-1 (sob!) but 2-0 was about right on the day.

Mooney deservedly took man of the match, but Bradley was also outstanding in the four man midfield and Mr. Ricketts did enough to suggest he can be a very useful acquisition.

Overall we might not yet be ready for an invite to the play-off party, but Tuesday’s trip to Brighton now presents a decent gatecrashing opportunity.