Goals from Dylan Parker and Ethan Freemantle earned Walsall Under-18s a comfortable 2-0 victory over ten-man Preston.
The opening goal came on 16 minutes when Dan O’Sullivan threaded a fine pass through to Parker, who slotted home at the near post.
Myles Mason almost equalised for the Lilywhites but his lobbed effort from a Jack Armer free-kick was hacked off the line.
Parker and Stefan Mason dragged shots wide for the hosts, who enjoyed most of the possession, while keeper Brandon Ganley held a thunderous Jack Baxter strike.
Walsall had several chances to double the lead after the break, with O’Sullivan being denied on three occasions by North End stopper Callum Lenton.
The Saddlers finally added a second midway through the half when Ben Friel picked out Freemantle, who cut inside before firing low into the corner.
Josh Pollard had an attempt cleared off the line as Preston pushed for a route back into the game.
But the visitors were reduced ten men in the closing stages as substitute Louis Potts was shown a straight red card for a late lunge.