Walsall Football Club

"Our youngsters coped really well," said reserve team manager, Richard O'Kelly. "We started brightly against much more experienced opponents and deservedly took a one-goal lead into the break.

"We played well and created a number of chances during the opening period. Their 'keeper made a few good saves and we looked comfortable going into the second half.

"The home side came out in determined mood after the restart and put us under pressure. They were able to make it count with an equaliser, but, credit to our boys, some of whom were making their debuts at this level, we came back into it and it was an evenly-match affair until our hosts were awarded a disputed penalty.

"They duly converted from the spot but our reaction was fantastic and we came close to equalising late on.

"I was very pleased with a lot of aspects of the game; we had a young side out there and it was a highly productive day for us."