THE SADDLERS' youth team slipped to a 4-2 at the hands of Oldham Athletic.

"It was an even first half," said Head of Youth, Dean Smith. "We were denied a penalty after 20 minutes when Jamie Paterson was pulled back. The assistant referee flagged by he was over-ruled by the referee.

"To be fair, we played some good stuff in the first half and it looked like we were getting back to where we were before Christmas.

"We finally took the lead early in the second half when George Bowerman curled home with a good left-footed finish.

"It didn't take long for Oldham to hit back when we failed to properly deal with a long throw-in and they equalised. We then allowed our heads to drop and it resulted in The Latics grabbing two further goals in quick succession to make it 3-1.

"We reduced the arrears from the penalty spot after Joey Butlin was fouled inside the area and Jamie Paterson stepped up to convert.

"Oldham's two-goal advantage was restored near the end with a late counter-attack.

"It was a disappointing result, particularly as we played well in the first half. The important thing is that we must not allow a goal against us to disrupt us so badly."

WALSALL: Cooney, Wood, Keenan (Haynes), Geddes (Butlin), Hickman, Partridge, McCourt, Cresswell (Deards), Bowerman, Paterson, Jones. Sub not used: Wren.

The youth team are in Midland Youth Cup semi-final action here at the Banks's Stadium on Monday, March 8th when we play host to Grimsby Town (kick-off 7.00pm). Admission is £3 (adults) and £1 (concessions).