Plenty of positives for Smith...
THE SADDLERS had a productive night against Aston Villa at Banks’s Stadium.Manager, Dean Smith, was able to give game time to 22 players with some of the young lads really giving a good account of themselves against our Premier League opponents, who won the game thanks to a first half goal.
“I thought we were really good, especially in the first half,” said Smith. “The players worked hard and showed skill and quality against a good team.
“We were disappointed with the goal that we conceded; the marking was poor, but some of the football that we played was good and it was nice to see us creating chances.
“There were a lot of young lads out there and they handled the situation well. It was pleasing to see the way in which they acquitted themselves out there.
“We also had the added boost of getting Sam Mantom into action. It was an innocuous injury, but he has trained well and this was his first taste of action this pre-season.
“I’ll have a chat with him later and he may figure at some point against Chasetown on Wednesday.
“I’m really pleased with how pre-season has gone. We’ve had to deal with a few injuries, but I’m pleased with where we’re at right now and we can’t wait for the season to start now.”