Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn praised striker Danny Johnson’s clinical edge after his hat-trick on Saturday but stressed the work rate of the entire team was equally as important in the emphatic opening day victory over Hartlepool United.
Johnson’s hat-trick followed Brandon Comley’s strike as the Saddlers made a perfect start to the 2022/23 season.
Flynn was impressed with Johnson’s finishing and showed why he was so keen to bring him to the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
“That’s why I bided my time to get him in, we had to make sure we got it over the line,” Flynn said.
“It wasn’t ideal because we wanted him permanently. He’s done what good strikers do and took his chances.
“It was clinical from him; his finishing was superb. It wasn’t just about Danny though, the work rate of the team and the performances of everyone was good and very pleasing as a manager.”
Flynn was delighted with his team’s overall display against the Pools.
He felt his side could have scored more goals but he was pleased with the attitude of the players even when the game was beyond Hartlepool’s reach.
“I thought we were really good,” he commented.
“We executed the game plan, they listened to the set play – it was so important and it worked to a treat, compliments to Wayne and Mat Sadler for that but that’s what we are – we’re a team.
“Even when we’re 4-0 up we carried on doing the right things and we were very professional so it was pleasing to watch.
“You can say the one disappointment was we didn’t score anymore. Timmy’s come on and should have scored, Douglas had a great chance and a great save by their goalkeeper, a couple of times in the first half we got into good position but fell down on the final ball but that’s nit-picking.
“I’m always looking to improve, it doesn’t matter if we lose 4-0 or win 4-0, you can always take positives. If you lose 4-0, there can be a few positives. It’s three points, a good start to the new campaign and we’re focused on a tough game next week.”
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