Saddlers hit five at Wigan... O'Kelly's verdict...
THE SADDLERS' reserves notched up their first Central League win of the season with an entertaining 5-3 victory at Wigan Athletic.It was the home side who took an early lead only for Troy Hewitt to equalise just past the half-hour mark.
Shortly afterwards we got our noses in front when Matt Preston found the net.
The Latics were back on level terms two minutes later before Kieron Morris restored our lead going into the half-time interval.
It didn't take long into the second period for Morris to add his second and our fourth.
By this stage we were well in control and Ben George added a fifth goal following a neat move.
There was still time for Wigan to pull a goal back to make it 5-3, but we held on to claim our first win of the season.
"It was a very good performance," said second-string boss, Richard O'Kelly. "We were organised, competitive and on the front-foot for the majority of the game.
"I thought that we dealt with them well and scored five excellent goals. In fact, it could have easily been more.
"It was a fantastic team display where everyone played their part; Troy Hewitt was a threat all afternoon, Kieron Morris showed strength and determination and took his goals well, whilst Ben George's goal came at the end of an outstanding passing move with featured around 25 passes.
"We also took the opportunity to give Julian Gray a run-out. It was good for him to get 90 minutes under his belt and obviously decisions have to be made on both sides, but he played his part in the win."
WALSALL: Roberts, Purkiss, George, Flanagan, Preston (Christopherou), Holden, McQuilkin, Heath (Rush), Hewitt (Griffiths), Gray, Morris. Sub not used: Jones.
WALSALL: Roberts, Purkiss, George, Flanagan, Preston (Christopherou), Holden, McQuilkin, Heath (Rush), Hewitt (Griffiths), Gray, Morris. Sub not used: Jones.