CENTRAL LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION - MATCH REPORTS 2011/12
SUNDERLAND 3 WALSALL 0 (TOTE CUP FINAL) - 10/8/2011
DESPITE the final scoreline, The Saddlers' youthful-looking reserve team put in an impressive display in the Tote Cup Final against Sunderland.
"It was a very pleasing performance," said Head of Youth, Neil Woods without hesitation. "The only disappointing aspect of the evening was the final result, which wasn't a true reflection on the game.
"We had the better chances during the first half and the Sunderland 'keeper was certainly the busier of the two. We went in at the break trailing to a dubious penalty, which was given against Lee Beevers and Jordan Cook stepped up to score.
"We didn't deserve to go in at the break behind and the second half was a similar story as we created a number of chances, which we couldn't take.
"In the end they grabbed two late goals to make it 3-0.
"I thought that Manny Smith was superb. He put in a quality performance, as did Lee Beevers, and they certainly had a positive influence on those youngsters around them."
WALSALL: Grof, Beevers, Benning, Forde, Tank, Smith, Deards, Botfield (Cresswell), Bowerman, Butlin (Williams), Paterson (Morris). Subs not used: George, Maher.
WALSALL 2 STOKE CITY 1 - 24/8/2011
THE SADDLERS' reserves opened our Central League Central Division campaign with a deserved 2-1 victory over Stoke City at Banks's Stadium.
Despite being on top for much of the first half, we went in at the break a goal down but a second half penalty from Ryan Jarvis and a commanding header by youth team skipper, Jamie Tank turned the scoreline on its head.
"It was a good start to the season," said coach, Chris Nicholl, who looked after the team with Head of Youth, Neil Woods. "The likes of Adam Chambers, Lee Beevers, Manny Smith, Ryan Jarvis and Alex Nicholls need to get a game under their belts and I felt that the senior lads all did well.
"Jamie Paterson looked lively and sharp, whilst the youth team lads in the side all played their part.
"It's about getting players ready for the first-team and we played some good stuff. There were plenty of positives to come out of the game; it's good for the club to be back in a Reserve League and playing against good Premier League opposition. It will really benefit us and gives players the opportunity to stake their claims for a place in the first-team."
WALSALL: Grof, Beevers, Haynes, Smith, Rank, Chambers, Nicholls (Deards), Dobson, Bowerman (Benning), Jarvis (Butlin), Paterson. Subs not used: Cresswell, Maher.
DERBY COUNTY 6 WALSALL 1 - 7/9/2011
THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a 6-1 defeat against a strong Derby County outfit.
"It was a disappointing result, but we certainly didn't deserve to lose 6-1," said manager, Dean Smith. "The most important thing in these type of matches is for the lads to get minutes on the pitch.
"It's an opportunity for the younger lads to show me what they are capable of and the players that are not in the starting line-up to be out there playing rather than kicking their heels on the sidelines.
"The lads can only learn and improve by playing in these matches against good opposition. It's all about development, that is the key word at this level, and already I can see the likes of George Bowerman, Jamie Paterson and Connor Deards benefitting by getting regular matches under their belts.
"Some of the youth team lads are also showing me what they are about and that can only be a good thing as we move forward.
"Despite the scoreline, there were some decent performances; Jamie Paterson did particularly well, whilst Lee Beevers scored our goal. It also gave me the chance to run the rule over a couple of trialists in midfield."
WALSALL: Maher, Beevers, Jones (Haynes), Tank, Lancashire, Richards (Dobson), Pontrelli (A. Williams), Peterlin, Bowerman, Deards, Paterson. Subs not used: Cresswell, Benning.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 WALSALL 2 - 28/9/2011
THE SADDLERS' second-string ran out worthy 2-1 winners at Sheffield United on Wednesday evening in the Central League Central Division.
Emerging front-man, George Bowerman was on target with both goals for a Walsall side that included trialists Theophile Junior N'Tame and Michael Woods.
"It was a very good, all-round performance," said manager, Dean Smith. "We had quite a young team out but they performed well and deserved the victory in the end.
"We created the better chances during the first half, but failed to find the finishing touch and our hosts took advantage early in the second period when they snatched the lead.
"The lads failed to let their heads drop and showed great commitment and enthusiasm to draw level as George Bowerman curled home.
"The winner came late on when Darryl Westlake crossed well for Bowerman to head home.
"It was a good night's work; the trialists showed up well and everyone played their part, which is what these type of games are all about."
WALSALL: Grof, Westlake, Haynes, N'Tame, Tank, Woods (Cresswell), Nicholls, Peterlin, Butlin (A. Williams), Bowerman, Jones. Subs not used: Dobson, Benning, Maher.
WALSALL 0 PORT VALE 2 - 11/10/2011
A GOAL in each half condemned The Saddlers' reserves to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Port Vale in the Central League Central Division.
"The result was obviously disappointing, but beyond that it was a good work-out for us against decent opposition," said coach, Chris Nicholl. "I felt that we had the majority of the play in the first half and it was disappointing to go in at the interval a goal down.
"It was a bit more even after the break and we had David Grof to thank for a couple of good saves to keep us in it but we just couldn't find a way through to get ourselves back into the game.
"The important thing was that we managed to get 90 minutes into the likes of Claude Gnakpa, Jamie Paterson, Olly Lancashire, Lee Beevers and David Grof in what was a competitive game, whilst we were able to have another good look at Michael Woods.
"These type of matches are all about learning and taking things on board and hopefully we'll do that. We had a young pairing up front and coming up against experienced defenders will stand them in good stead.
"As I say, it's about development and there were certainly positives to come out of the game in that respect despite the scoreline."
WALSALL: Grof, Beevers, Haynes, Lancashire, Tank, Woods, Paterson, Taundry, Bowerman, Gnakpa, Jones. Subs not used: Butlin, Benning, A. Williams, Dobson, Maher.
HEDNESFORD TOWN 6 WALSALL 5 (AET) (BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP SECOND ROUND) - 1/11/2011
THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped out of the Birmingham Senior Cup at the second round stage in dramatic fashion on a goal-laiden evening at Hednesford Town.
The home side got their noses in front on seven minutes with a close range header, but shortly afterwards we were back on level terms when George Bowerman (pictured) broke through and round the 'keeper before slotting home.
It was Hednesford who were on top as the first half went on and it was no surprise when they regained the lead on the 25-minute mark.
That said, both teams were passing the ball around well and as a result, it was an entertaining encounter.
The Saddlers came out for the second period with real purpose and partity was restored within eight minutes of the restart when a neat turn and shot from Will Grigg nestled into the back of the net.
Shortly afterwards Grigg put us in front for the first time in the tie when he guided the ball home from close range.
The fourth goal arrived on 78 minutes after a sharp and decisive move and this looked like killing the game off. However, Hednesford kept battling away and former Saddler, Marvin Robinson made it 4-3 to set up a tense final ten minutes.
The equaliser finally came three minutes into stoppage time to take the game into extra-time.
More drama was to follow in the second period of extra-time when Aaron Williams fired home from the edge of the area to put us 5-4 in front.
Still The Pitmen hit back and Robinson equalised three minutes later before the home side nicked what proved to be the winner right at the death to make it 6-5.
BURTON ALBION 0 WALSALL 2 - 16/11/2011
A BRACE from George Bowerman gave The Saddlers' reserves a deserved 2-0 win at Burton Albion.
"It was a good performance," said second-string boss, Chris Nicholl. "We fielded a young team but the lads aquitted themselves very well, particularly the back four and I was delighted that we were able to keep a clean sheet.
"The more senior players in the side were excellent and George Bowerman took his goals well, linking up with strike partner, Ryan Jarvis.
"It was nice to see Liam Maher bounce back in the right way by keeping a clean sheet and he can be pleased with his performance.
"All in all it was a good afternoon's work for us and a deserved victory."
WALSALL: Maher, George, Haynes, Taundry, Botfield, Cresswell, Butlin, Peterlin (Benning), Bowerman, Jarvis (A. Williams), Morris. Subs: Wellings, Preston, Griffiths.
WALSALL 2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 - 6/12/2011
THE SADDLERS' second-string shared the spoils with an experienced Nottingham Forest outfit in the Central League Central Division.
An impressive first half display saw Jamie Paterson open the scoring in the 13th minute before Claude Gnakpa won and converted a penalty to double our advantage ten minutes later.
In a lively and entertaining game, there were chances at both ends with David Grof making a number of smart saves, whilst trialist, Luke Mulholland battled well in midfield and Andy Butler marshalled a back-line that blended youth with experience.
The visitors managed to reduce the arrears just before the hour-mark through Lewis McGugan and equalised on 66 minutes when Dexter Blackstock headed home an excellent cross by Andy Reid.
"We acquitted ourselves well against experienced opposition," said manager, Dean Smith. "It was a good performance; we started brightly and put them on the back-foot straight away.
"We deservedly went two goals up during the first half, but they managed to get back into the game after the break and used their experience to eventually get back on level terms.
"That said, there were good displays all over the pitch. The young lads involved can be pleased with their efforts and I was pleased with the work-rate of Luke Mulholland, who is over here on trial from America.
"He showed good technical ability and technique, much as I expected him to, and we will be having another look at him."
WALSALL: Grof, Westlake, Benning, Tank, Butler, Mulholland (Botfield), Gnakpa (Morris), Peterlin, Bowerman (A. Williams), Deards, Paterson. Subs not used: Cresswell, Maher.
STOKE CITY 7 WALSALL 0 - 17/1/2012
THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a 7-0 defeat against an experienced Stoke City outfit on a chilly afternopon at The Britannia Stadium.
The home side made a purposeful start with Kenwyne Jones opening the scoring early on and further strikes from Ben Marshall and Cameron Jerome making it 3-0 after half-an-hour.
That is how the scoreline stayed going into half-time, but it didn't take long after the restart for The Potters to increase their lead with a second of the afternoon for Jerome.
The Saddlers refused to let their heads drop and continued to battle away, but Marshall, who lined up against us on Boxing Day during a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday, added a fifth on the hour.
Two further goals came towards the end from Tom Soares to make it a heavy defeat.
WALSALL: Grof, Westlake, Lancashire, Tank, Hurst (Botfield), Grigg, Flanagan (Benning), Jarvis, Gnakpa, Bowerman, Rodney (Deards). Subs not used: Butlin, Maher.
PORT VALE 1 WALSALL 1 - 22/2/2012
THE SADDLERS' reserves have shared the spoils with Port Vale in the Central League Central Division.
"The lads were first-class," said coach, Richard O'Kelly. "They displayed a great attitude throughout the game.
"We passed and moved the ball around well despite the conditions not being best suited to it.
"We were very pro-active in our approach and worked well together as a team.
"Our hosts took the lead during the first half, but we had the majority of possession after the break and eventually got our reward when Ryan Jarvis equalised with around ten minutes to go.
"The goal came following a well-worked corner which Jake Jones delivered invitingly into the area and Ryan made an intelligent run to finish with much aplomb.
"The pro's were very positive and helped the younger lads, particularly Manny Smith and Ryan Jarvis who made a big impact, whilst the trialist got a full 90 minutes under his belt and did okay."
WALSALL: Maher, George, Tank, Smith, Haynes, Beevers (Butlin), Jones, Juric, Peterlin (Deards), Jarvis, Bowerman (Flanagan). Subs not used: Benning, Roberts.
WALSALL 0 SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 - 27/2/2012
THE SADDLERS' second-string have slipped to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Sheffield United.
In what was an evenly-matched game, the visitors won it with a long-range strike from Shane Murray during the opening period.
"We were not the best during the first half," admitted coach, Richard O'Kelly. "It was much improved after the break, but we just couldn't find the breakthrough.
"I was pleased with the endeavour of the younger lads, particularly Mal Benning, Jamie Tank and Ben George, whilst Manny Smith was the stand-out player from the older group.
"He has knuckled down in recent weeks and worked hard and put in another solid display.
"It was a tough game against hard-working, hungry young opposition. It was a good test for us and we will take the positives from it and get ready to go again in the next game."
WALSALL: Maher, George, Benning (Morris), Tank, Smith, Flanagan (Botfield), Deards (Butlin), Jarvis, Bowerman, Beevers, Jones. Subs not used: A. Williams, Roberts.
WALSALL 1 DERBY COUNTY 1 - 3/4/2012
THE SADDLERS' second-string shared the spoils with Derby County in a 1-1 draw at Banks's Stadium.
Our high-flying visitors took the lead early in the second half through Mason Bennett only for Joey Butlin to fire home an equaliser near the end for Neil Woods' young side.
"We changed our system and the lads played it well," said Woods. "I was disappointed with our quality during the first half. The work-rate and tempo was there but we didn't use the ball as well as we would have liked.
"We spoke about a few things at half-time and there was an improvement after the break.
"In the end a draw was probably a fair result. I was pleased to see Joey Butlin score our equaliser. He worked hard throughout the game and it was a good finish.
"We have two more reserve games left and I want to see us maintain our effort but improve our quality when we are in possession of the ball.
"There were glimpses of what we are capable of today, but we need to do it more often."
Olly Lancashire was forced off after 20 minutes having been involved in a heavy challenge earlier in the game.
WALSALL: Maher, George, Benning, Peterlin, Tank, Lancashire (Cresswell), Deards, Flanagan (Botfield), Grigg (A. Williams), Butlin, Jones. Subs not used: Dobson, Roberts.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 WALSALL 0 - 11/4/2012
THE SADDLERS' reserves slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest at the New Manor Ground.
"It was a competitive first half," said reserve team manager, Neil Woods. "We created a few half-chances with Aaron Williams in particular going close.
"We worked hard and played some decent football at times but our hosts went in at the break a goal to the good thanks to a long-range 30-yard effort.
"The second period saw Forest get a hold of the game and, to be fair, we couldn't find any rhythm or momentum in our play.
"We made a few changes but they got a second goal and the best side won in the end."
Trialist, Darren Carter got 45 minutes under his belt as he looks to impress with a view to next season.
WALSALL: Maher, George, Benning, Carter (Dobson), Tank, Preston, Deards, Botfield, A. Williams (Griffiths), Butlin (Morris), Jones. Subs not used: Roberts, Cresswell.
WALSALL 6 BURTON ALBION 3 - 17/4/2012
THE SADDLERS' second-string brought the curtain down on our Central League Central Division season with a 6-3 victory over Burton Albion.
Will Grigg led the way with four goals as further efforts from Jake Jones and substitute, Connor Deards completed the scoring in a game where we twice fell behind during the first half.
"We started the game slowly and put in a very disappointing first half display," said reserve team boss, Neil Woods. "The only bright spot was two well-taken goals from Will Grigg, who it was nice to see playing and scoring.
"There were a few honest words spoken during the half-time interval and, without reaching the standards we expect, it was a much improved performance after the break.
"Our link-up play was a lot better and we scored some good goals with Will adding two more and Jake Jones and Connor Deards also getting onto the scoresheet.
"We conceded another sloppy goal, but we managed to end the season on a victory.
"The lesson to take from the game has to be that however and wherever we play, we have to start the game in the correct manner and with the right tempo."
WALSALL: Maher, Westlake, Benning, Taundry (George), Tank, Lancashire, Paterson (Butlin), Peterlin, Grigg, Celeste (Deards), Jones. Subs not used: Morris, Roberts.
