Winger provided two assists in Coventry victory...
Walsall winger, Milan Lalkovic, is hoping that Saturday’s Man-of-the-Match performance against Coventry is a sign of things to come, after he created both goals in a thrilling 2-1 win.The Slovakia attacker provided the assist for Anthony Forde’s coolly-dispatched 40th-minute opener with an inch-perfect penetrative pass.
He then fashioned the second goal, unleashing a fierce left-foot shot which goalkeeper Lee Burge parried into the path of Tom Bradshaw, who volleyed home from close range.
Lalkovic’s dazzling display was rewarded with the star-player prize – and the 22-year-old was delighted to have played such a prominent role in a fine team win.
“I am really happy with the result, it was not easy because Coventry are a good team but we played some really good football, won 3-1 and got the three points,” said Lalkovic.
“I didn’t get a goal today but I’ve now got four assists (this season), which is really good for me personally. “I’m going to try to add the goals as well and it will be even better.
“Thank you for the Man of the Match award, and hopefully I can produce more performances like this.”
A bumper crowd of over 7,000 attended the entertaining Coventry clash, and Lalkovic was full of praise for the vocal home fans.
“It’s fantastic right now, we’re on a high and everyone is enjoying their football,” said Lalkovic. “The fans are loving it and it was a fantastic atmosphere to play in – that’s what you play football for. And the three points is the cherry on top.
“Every player wants to play in front of a big crowd and when it’s a good atmosphere, the fans help you and push you with their singing. They were fantastic and they were better fans than Coventry’s today!”
Victory lifted the Saddlers up to second with ten points from four matches, making it the Club's best start to a season – at this level – since the promotion-winning campaign of 2000/01.
“We can’t get carried away with stats!” said Lalkovic. “We are doing well, there’s a lot of competition and everyone is having to play at their best to keep their shirt. If the manager changes the system, you have to come in and do a job. That’s really important.
“The people and the group are really tight. We’ve got quality players, are working hard and the staff are behind us. People can’t see what they’re doing, like the physios, the chef and the groundsman – everyone is involved in this. This is a family club.
“It’s fantastic to be here – you have to enjoy your football at this club.”