THE SADDLERS' first-team may have lost to Coventry City on Saturday, but the youth team ran out 2-1 winners against the Sky Blues.

"We started with a 4-3-3 formation, which the lads responded well to," said Head of Youth, Dean Smith. "We passed the ball with purpose in the opening exchanges and deservedly took the lead when Jake Jones was brought down inside the area and Connor Deards scored from the spot.

"Further chances were created during the first half as we retained the ball well and displayed good fitness levels throughout the team.

"Our performance wasn't as good after the break, but we stuck to the principles that had served us well and grabbed a second goal from a free-kick by Jack Cresswell.

"Coventry started to come back into it more after the second goal and hit the woodwork before pulling a goal back.

"We managed to hold onto our lead well and it was a good performance from all involved."