Positives but reserves lose at home to Vale...
THE SADDLERS' reserves went down to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Port Vale at a wet and murky Scholars Ground.A neat move on the edge of the area from Walsall ended with Danny Griffiths hitting the base of the post in the eighth minute.
On a slick surface, The Saddlers were looking to pass the ball at every opportunity and we took the lead on 11 minutes when James McQuilkin fed Griffiths whose nice touch found Ben George and he made no mistake.
At the other end, Gavin Tomlin combined well with Jordan Hugill for the latter to find Shane Lewis alert to send him wide before making a block.
The visitors were back on level terms on 37 minutes when Tomlin showed his strength before getting in a strike that beat Lewis.
There were some robust challenges coming in from out visitors as the half went on as we went in at the break on level terms.
The early action in the second period saw Hugill give The Valiants the lead when he headed home from close range following an inviting ball in from the left.
It was soon 3-1 when Kaid Mohamed did well to make a positive break into the area before the ball found its way to Hugill who slotted home his second and Vale's third of the afternoon.
The Saddlers were playing most of the football but in the end we couldn't find a way back into the game and were restricted to half-chances.
"It was a proper game of football," said reserve team boss, Richard O'Kelly. "It was more akin to League football and as such it was a good test for our boys.
"Our work ethic and behaviour was of the highest order. They had more experience than us in their side and it showed at times. That said, it was good for the development of our youngsters, which is what these type of games are all about.
"The way we tried to play was commendable; there were lots of good passages of play but unfortunately in football things sometimes go against you. It's about how we react to this. We'll analyse it and make sure we put into play what we learn next time."
WALSALL: Lewis, Purkiss (Garner), Benning, Holden, K. Rowley (Probert), Morris, George, Griffiths, Hewitt (L. Rowley), McQuilkin, Gray. Subs not used: Lovett, R. Reid.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR YOUTH TEAM GAME AT PORT VALE HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD 24 HOURS AND WILL BE PLAYED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH (KICK-OFF 11.00am).
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR YOUTH TEAM GAME AT PORT VALE HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD 24 HOURS AND WILL BE PLAYED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH (KICK-OFF 11.00am).