Youth team slip at Oldham...
THE SADDLERS' youth team went down to a 3-1 defeat at Oldham in what was a pulsating encounter."It was a competitive match with plenty of quality," said Academy Manager, Neil Woods. "Our hosts took control for the opening 20 minutes and eventually took the lead with a fine individual goal.
"Gradually as the first half went on, we started to get into the game and I was pleased that we stuck to our philosophy and tried to do things the right way.
"We went in at the break trailing by a single goal but came out for the second half and dominated the opening stages. We did everything but score and Oldham managed to catch us on the break to double their advantage.
"It gave us a mountain to climb but we stuck at it and Romario Reid reduced the arrears to set up an exciting finish.
"The final period of the game was full-blooded as both sides searched for the next goal. Unfortunately for us it went to Oldham as their centre forward, who caused us problems all afternoon and scored The Latics' opening two goals, created a third to seal the game.
"I was very pleased with the way in which we approached the game. We had seven first-years out there and they applied themselves extremely well against a good side."
WALSALL: Jezeph, J. Smith, R. Smith, Sangha, K. Rowley (Roberts), Probert, Reid, Delaney, Pooni, Oliver (Shorrock), Lewis. Subs not used: Maddocks, Mannion.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS CAN BE VIEWED HERE...