Walsall reserves started their Central League campaign with a draw away at a strong Preston North End side.
The Saddlers took an early lead before Preston levelled in the second half.
Mat Sadler took charge of the team that saw the likes of Jack Rose, Zak Mills, Alfie Bates, Tom Leak, Joe Willis and Danny Coogan all get minutes under their belts.
The Saddlers got off to the perfect start and opened the scoring after just three minutes through a trialist.
Preston responded well and had a number of chances after the goal.
The hosts were awarded a penalty on 18 minutes when Brad Potts was brought down in the area.
Preston trialist Connor Wickham stepped up but his penalty was saved by Rose.
Wickham and Josh Murphy both came close for the Lilywhites but the Saddlers stood firm and went into the half-time interval with a narrow lead.
Preston came out searching for an equaliser and it came after 60 minutes when Potts curled an effort into the bottom corner.
Neither side could find a winner in the second half and had to settle for a point a piece.