Saddlers win in the Aggborough sun...
THE SADDLERS won in the sun at Kidderminster Harriers as we recorded a 2-1 victory.Despite the conditions, it was a lively start from both teams. The first effort for Walsall fell to Sam Mantom whose strike was blocked before a neat move ended with James Baxendale's effort saved.
The game was played at a good tempo early on. There was a chance for Harriers when Gash found some space only to fire wide of the target.
The home side opened the scoring just past the half-hour when Malbon headed home from a teasing cross. The lead lasted just minutes as Craig Westcarr poked home to make it 1-1.
After a Ashley Hemmings free-kick was saved, Romaine Sawyers gave The Saddlers the lead on 41 minutes when Mantom found Baxendale who pulled the ball back into the former loanee's path.
On the stroke of half-time, Westcarr was felled to win a penalty, which he duly took only to see his effort well saved.
Walsall went in at the interval in front but Harriers came out with purpose at the start of the second period and Dean Holden had to be alert to block an early raid.
As the half went on The Saddlers pushed for a third goal, but with so many changes in personnel, the game was unable to get into any real flow and in the end it petered out into a 2-1 win for Dean Smith's side as we extended our unbeaten pre-season run.