Youth team overcome Dale challenge...
THE SADDLERS' youth team progressed into the next round of The Football League Youth Alliance Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 victory at Rochdale."It was a very competitive game between two strong sides," said Academy Manager, Neil Woods. "Rochdale dominated possession for the opening 20 or 25 minutes, but we defended well and were compact whilst also looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
"It was goalless at half-time and we decided to change things around a little to a system that we were more confident with and the second period started with us getting a foot-hold in the game.
"We were rewarded by taking the lead on the hour when a cross from Jacob Hobbis was sweetly volleyed home by Jake Heath.
"After that it was a good, end-to-end encounter with both sides playing their full part. Our hosts put us under pressure but we defended resolutely to restrict them to only a few chances.
"We managed to seal the tie late on when Alex Reid broke through and found the net.
"I was pleased with the competitive side of our game; we played some good football and everyone played their part in what was a pleasing performance."
WALSALL: Roberts, Sinton, Henry, Flanagan, Preston, Christopherou, Hobbis, Heath, Griffiths (Ashmore), Rush, McKenzine (Reid). Subs not used: Kinsella, Bakayoko, Jones.