Ex-Barnsley man scored our second goal at Oakwell...
Walsall winger Milan Lalkovic returned to haunt his former club with our second goal in an impressive 2-0 win at Barnsley.The 22-year-old made 17 appearances for the Tykes last season before returning to the Banks’s in the summer.
He was handed his sixth league start on Tuesday evening and netted his first league goal of the campaign with a composed finish 20 minutes from time.
“I was really happy with the goal and a good team performance,” said Lalkovic.
“We were a threat and the three points were important. It’s a tough place to go and they’ve got good players but we made it hard for them and were on top for the whole game.
“I had nothing to prove (going back to Barnsley).
“The gaffer played me and gave me the chance. I’m disappointed when I don’t play but all I can do is work hard.
“I’m happy with the win.
“Thank you to the travelling fans – they made it a good result.”
Lalkovic was joined on the scoresheet by Manchester City loanee George Evans.
“It was a fantastic debut for him,” said Lalkovic.
“It’s a really good chance for him to play competitive football. I know how it is at a club like Man City; if you’re not getting your chance in the first-team, and playing U21s football, it’s not the same.
“It was nice to set him up with my header, although I probably should have scored there!
“But I’m delighted for him and hopefully he can keep improving."
Victory at Oakwell maintained our unbeaten away record in League One.
The Saddlers have now recorded 17 points from a possible 21 on the road – the best return in the division.
“I always see stats that we’re not doing so well at home,” Lalkovic added.
“We probably don’t get as many (home) wins as we should.
“But away we keep winning and that only gives you motivation to get more wins.
“We’re solid at the back and another clean sheet was fantastic for our back four. We’re defending well and scoring up front so it’s going really well.”
Walsall’s next match is away at mid-table Colchester this weekend.
“It’ll be another tough game,” he said.
“They attack really well but they’re maybe not so good at defending and that’s why they concede goals.
“The gaffer will have a plan of how to win away so let’s do it again!”