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.

Mooney’s 200th league goal, part of a pair, help Walsall win against lacklustre Cheltenham.  Report to follow.

Former Saddler Michael Ricketts has today returned to Bescot on a three month loan deal from league One rivals Oldham.

Ricketts who scored at Bescot for the Latics back in September was rumoured to have been a summer target before penning a three year contract at Boundary Park where he has featured in nine league games.

Often a character to provoke extreme views amongst the Saddlers faithful, his signing will certainly add interest to tommorow’s game with Cheltenham, who themselves have been in the news by naming caretaker boss Keith Downing as their new manager today.

The visiting Robins are likely to bring a coach full of liniment and bandages to patch up their ailing squad, as they’re blighted by injury, and the treatment room at Whaddon Road is busier than a kebab shop at midnight.

On the plus side, there’s a Walsall connection, with young hopeful Gavin Caines in the side, so naturally we can look forward to seeing another example of a player we missed out on performing above our best expectations.

I could find little to say about Cheltenham, I’m sorry.  They’re currently propping up the table, standing on Bournemouth’s toes to get a gasp of League One air as they contemplate relegation.  Last week they managed to draw at home with Crewe, but it looks like Crewe thought the game finished at the 80 minute mark as they succumbed to two late goals.  The club’s official site proudly displays a photo showing rows of empty seats at the stadium, and one can only hope the piccy wasn’t taken on a match day.  I could only identify one unofficial site on the net (cheltenham rivals), and that’s poorly populated, so it looks like they can match our own town’s massive indifference to the fortunes of their club.

 Their history in the league is pretty recent, pretty poor and pretty much like ours was before we flirted with the Championship, although of course our pedigree in doing nothing is virtually unparalleled.  Essentially, any cup there has been stolen from the racecourse.

One to watch is Alan Wright, the left back, formerly of Blackburn and Villa, who’s keeping match fit with the Robins pending a move to Sydney City FC in Australia’s high-quality A-league.  Him aside, we should be hoping for a 3 point Saturday if our expectations of mid-table mediocrity / promotion / playoffs (delete according to mood) are to be helped along.