Carlisle United fell to a 3-1 defeat at Walsall – how did we rate the players at the Poundland Bescot Stadium?

HARRY LEWIS – 5

Unable to prevent any of the Saddlers’ goals, as United dissolved in front of him. Good late save but the damage had long been done.

AARON HAYDEN – 5

Back from injury, was rusty in parts but safe in the majority of his defending, replaced at break as Blues looked for way back.

SAM LAVELLE – 4

There was not enough defiance from United’s leading defenders when Walsall scored goals two and three. Lavelle suffered a broken nose for the cause.

TERELL THOMAS – 4

On the left of the back three this time, but never got on top of Matt and his ball playing was also rickety as Carlisle slid to defeat.

JON MELLISH – 6

Wing-back initially, then in the back three, Mellish did his best to give Carlisle and outlet, and scored late consolation, but it was far from enough.

CAMERON HARPER – 5

Unexpected right-sided role, came close with one attempt but couldn’t get on end of other things before Carlisle crumbled in second half.

HARRISON NEAL – 4

Caught for the immediate opening goal and, after a strong display against Harrogate, this was a much less convincing midfield display.

CALLUM GUY – 6

Was involved in United’s better first-half work and one of their rare half-chances, but understandably faded so soon after his return from injury.

JOSH VELA – 4

Was rarely on top of the game and Walsall’s midfielders, such as Jellis, had all the dynamism that Carlisle’s did not.

HARRISON BIGGINS – 4

A couple of attacking moves aside, negligible impact from Biggins other than corner that made its way to Mellish for late consolation.

LUKE ARMSTRONG – 4

United’s attempted hold-up play was faulty and Armstrong did not endanger Walsall’s defence anything like enough.

Subs: Dominic Sadi – 5 – Offered little on right in losing cause.

Tyler Burey – 6 – A few bursts of pace.

Taylor Charters – 5 – Tried to get on ball.

Ethan Robson – 5 – Another cameo on the road back.

Ben Barclay – 5 – Replaced injured Lavelle late on.

Star man – Jon Mellish – this was not a night of good performances, to put it mildly. Mellish at least tried to offer an energetic outlet in first half, and scored late on.