It takes a lot of different qualities to succeed in any sport. One of them is, of course, skill and talent, something that the team showed in abundance in dealing with Millwall in the last home game. Another, however, was amply demonstrated at Vale Park on Boxing Day – sheer guts and will to win.

One of the most dramatic changes that Richard Money has managed to bring about with the Saddlers, when compared to the disaster that was Paul Merson, it is that they do try to keep going in the face of adversity with an indomitable team spirit. There you are, 1 down with 90 minutes gone and reduced to ten men, but you don’t give up. One quality cross from Rhys Weston and Michael Ricketts had the class to be able to put the chance away, three minutes into stoppage time.

I’ve seen the result put down to luck – but that is to misjudge the situation. Leeds United have, for example, either got winners or salvaged points in the last minutes of several games this season. That, like our result yesterday, is not down to luck. It is down to team spirit, to having the desire to win and the confidence that comes from a long unbeaten run. Luck seems not have anything to do with it, as the more you succeed, the “luckier” you get.

Richard Money’s job, for some time, has been to make sure that the player’s feet stay firmly on the ground and that the confidence that helped bring about yet another valuable point yesterday does not turn into arrogance, something which can be truly destructive. The signs so far look good, as we go into the January transfer window in a wonderful League position and a chance to strengthen.