Walsall emerged with their first victory at Gillingham since 2019, thanks to a ruthless display of football. Lee Grant praised the “mentality” of his substitutes following Walsall’s 3-0 victory over Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.
What happened?
Walsall consolidated their cup upset at Bristol City with another fine victory on the road in League Two thanks to goals from Isaac Moore, James Connolly, and Aaron Pressley. Moore marked his emergence from the bench with the opener - while Clarke was instrumental in all three goals, and set-up the third for Pressley with an excellent cross.
Why it matters for Walsall
Grant praises subs’ “mentality”
“We try to be proactive with substitutions, but I won’t get it right all of the time, I know that,” head coach Grant explained. “Today, I did and at Bristol, we did, but inevitably it doesn’t come down to when I make them, it comes down to the mentality of the players coming on to the field. “That’s one of the things I’m most proud of today. The mentality of the players, who would’ve been disappointed not to start, to come on and effect the game. “So full credit to them.”
What comes next?
Walsall scored all three of their goals in the space of 15 second-half minutes and were ruthless in front of goal in the latter stages. They simply refused to sit on a one-goal or a two-goal lead, and Grant was pleased to see that type of mentality from his players. “There’s choices to make in the last 10 or 15 minutes with corners. Do we send everybody up because they’re playing with two bodies up the pitch? “There are big decisions to make, but why not go for it? I think if you have that mentality then it stands us in good stead.”
Walsall are currently 1st in League Two, with 3 points from 1 game, and recent form W. They have scored 3 goals this season and conceded 0, with a +3 goal difference. Their next fixture is against Barnet on 2027-02-27, where they will be looking to continue their winning streak.
