Scunthorpe United 2-1 Walsall: Match Report and Player Ratings

Both Walsall and Scunthorpe came into this game after struggling in the opening few games of the season. This was evident in the first half with both sides struggling to create and sustain any real pressure. Very few chances fell to either side and it was a scrappy affair for most of the half, however both sides had glorious chances to take the lead into the half time break. First Walsall striker Tom Bradshaw forced Scunthorpe keeper Bobby Olejnik into an outstanding save from a header from six yards out. Then it was Scunthorpe’s turn to go on the offensive with youngster Hakeeb Adelakun cutting in from the right and some clever trickery led to a powerful shot this time forcing a good save from Walsall’s Richard O’Donnell. After the break Scunthorpe were immediately on the front and when 18 year old Adeakun picked the ball up on half way there was no stopping him. A fantastic solo run avoiding three challenges with a low bottom corner finish to match. Scunthorpe continued to press and minutes later they doubled their advantage and with a goal worthy of winning any game. McSheffery  stepped up to take a free kick 35 yards out and hit a swerving dipping shot which no keeper could of stopped. The game was seemingly looking lie it was going to play out but a defensive mix up meant that Walsall striker Bradshaw got his name on the scoresheet after nipping between Olejnik and Canavan to head into an empty net. It was an every last 20 but Scunthorpr held out for their first league win of the season.

Scunthorpe United

Bobby Olejnik- Demanded his penalty area all game, never looked in trouble although there was a lack of communication with his CB for Walsall’s goal. 8.0
Luke O’Neil- Had a solid game at right back, manages to deal with Walsall’s wingers very well. Needs to improve on his crossing. 7.5
Niall Canavan- He was at fault for the goal after choosing not to head it. But he recovered well and played well to see out the game. 7.5
Miles Addison- Gets better as each game goes on, commands the back 4 and is a much needed leader at the back for the Iron. 8.5
Marcus Williams- Had a tough time at left back, took a bit of a battering but still kept to his defensive duties well. 7.5
Hakeeb Adelakun- Followed up his good performance on Tuesday with an outstanding performance, his brilliant solo goal relieved all pressure around Glanford Park. 9.0
Neal Bishop- Worked hard in the centre of midfield, has a nick of being in the right place at the right time. Rarely lost possession. 8.0
Sean McAllister- Had a quite game, didn’t really make much of an impact, but still a reliable player in the middle of the park. 7.5
Terry Hawkridge- Worked hard for the team defensively, but provided little in terms of attacking play. 7.0
Gary McSheffery- An unbelievable free kick and fantastic first goal for the club. Played well and goal was deserved. 8.5
Paddy Madden- looked threatening in the second half, worked tirelessly all game. 7.5

Substitutions

Billy Kee- first proper run out for the new signing, was a real handful when coming on 7.0
Jennison Myrie-Williams- came on to help close down. Didn’t stop running 6.0
Matt Sparrow- didn’t touch the ball, came on to run down the clock. N/A

Walsall

Richard O’Donnell- Had a good game in net, kept Walsall in the game with some fantastic saves. Couldn’t of done anything about the goals. 8.0
James O’Conner- Got forward very well, contributed well to a lot of Walsall attacks. Never really troubled defensively either. 8.0
James Chambers- Went off in the first ten minutes. Didn’t really have to do a lot. N/A
Paul Downing- had a average game at CB, was easily beaten for Scunthorpe’s first goal. However was a rock for the majority of the game. 7.0
Andy Taylor- didn’t have the greatest of games, came up against a tough and quick opponent in Adelakun. 6.0
Ashley Grimes- had little effect on the game, had to spend a lot of time in defensive positions before being replaced just before HT. 6.5
Adam Chambers- Good game in the centre of midfield, seemed to appear everywhere. Covered a lot of ground and rarely made a mistake. 8.0
Billy Clifford- Fantastic engine, never stopped running. Held on the ball well, never seemed to give it away. 7.5
Anthony Forde- Set pieces were always a threat, didn’t really create much from open play. 7.0
Tom Bradshaw- Work rate second to none and was rewarded when he chased down a hopeful long ball and headed home. 8.0
Mathieu Manset- Tough afternoon against the big and experienced Miles Addison. 6.0

Substitutions

Dean Holden- Came on early in the game and quickly adapted keeping it 0-0 until half time. 7.5
James Baxendale- Didn’t see much of him going forward, but fulfilled his defensive roles well. Pace was a threat on occasion. 7.0
Kieron Morris- Had very little effect on the game when coming on for the last 15. 6.0

Man of the match

 Hakeeb Adelakun- Was a constant threat to the back 4 of Walsall, and was truly rewarded with his goal of the season candidate. 9.0

 

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