A LAST-GASP goal saw The Saddlers' reserves slip to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday on a wet afternoon in Solihull.

The major bonus to come out of the game, though, was a lively 35-minute appearance from Steve Jones - his first taste of action since early December. He went close on a couple of occasions only to be denied by the visiting 'keeper.

"It was a massive plus for the club to have Steve back in action," said reserve team boss, Martin O'Connor. "He looked sharp and caused the visitors' defence a few problems.

"It was a pretty even first half with our play in the final third not being good enough. There was a marked improvement after the break and we deservedly went ahead with a good goal from youth teamer, Jamie Paterson.

"We allowed our visitors to get back on level terms straight from a corner but proceeded to get our noses back in front once more when Josh O'Keefe's shot took a deflection that beat the 'keeper.

"Again a lack of concentration at the back let Wednesday in to make it 2-2 and they then snatched a winner with the last kick as we failed to clear the ball properly."

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Wood, Sansara, Smith, Hughes, O'Keefe, McCourt, Geddes, Grigg (Bowerman), Paterson (Jones), Davies. Subs not used: Hickman, Partridge, Wren.