Walsall Under 18s made it two wins from their first two league games as they brushed aside Port Vale on Saturday.
The Saddlers took the lead early on through winger Jayden Campbell who picked up the ball on the right, dribbled inside and finished with a fine left footed shot.
Port Vale equalised later in the first half as the two teams went in level at the break.
Walsall stepped it up in the second half and re-took the lead the through Kyle Sharp after he got on the end of Jack Lynch’s free-kick.
Lynch was involved again as the Saddlers got their third as his cross was bundled in by a defender.
Walsall made it four when Saif Mukadam was brought down in the box and Ben Dallywaters converted from the spot.
Academy boss Miguel Llera was pleased to see his players execute his game plan and he has been delighted with how they’ve started the new season.
“Six points from two games, we’re very pleased for the lads,” said Llera.
“We’ve scored seven goals and conceded one and the one we conceded was a great goal from outside of the box so there wasn’t much we could do about that but it was a really solid performance.
“I think the team have improved in confidence, personality and character wise we look different from last year. It’s a great feeling when people from the outside the team with great character, confidence and commitment.
“We had it last year but that plus is because the first years last year were a really strong group and they look a stronger group this year and that shows from anyone who saw the game. We were playing against a team who be Salford 2-0 away, they’re a very physical team.
“We are physical as well and not scared to compete but technically we were better than then and we managed the game pretty well. We had a game plan in place and the players did very well and in possession we played really good football, playing from the back with the idea of playing in the right areas so I’m very pleased. The lads were confident, committed and enjoyed it.
“We are trying to create an environment where everyone wants to be involved, even players that weren’t involved much last year, this year they’re involved and they want to be involved. They’ve changed their character and this shows what we have been doing.”