Birmingham 1-0 Walsall
Walsall further stepped up their preparations for the 2022/23 season in a behind closed doors friendly against Birmingham City at Wasthills.
Scott Hogan's goal at the end of the first half was enough to secure the Championship side the victory.
Michael Flynn’s men made a bright start to the game, showing good energy and enterprise in the early exchanges.
The first meaningful opportunity of the match fell to Blues after 10 minutes when Troy Deeney fired in a shot that was saved by Adam Przybek.
Deeney had another chance seven minutes later but headed over the bar.
The Saddlers enjoyed some good spells in the first half but didn’t create too many clear-cut chances.
Blues opened the scoring when Hogan intercepted a back pass and was through one-on-one and made no mistake as he slotted past Przybek.
Both teams changed XIs for the second half.
The Saddlers started the second period well as Trialist cut the ball back to Taylor Allen who tried his luck but his shot was blocked.
Allen was involved again the 63rd minute as his corner was met by Donervon Daniels whose header flew over the bar.
Flynn made another change in the final 10 minutes as he introduced Ronan Maher in place of Trialist.
John Eustace’s side came close to doubling their lead with five minutes to go when Odin Bailey latched on to a poor clearance in the box but he dragged his shot wide.
The Saddlers had a glorious chance to level when Douglas James-Taylor was played through but he pulled his shot wide.
Maher also tried his luck from distance moments later but he fired over and the referee blew the final whistle shortly after.
First half: Przybek, White, Clarke, Trialist, Trialist, Riley, Trialist, Hutchinson, Trialist, Williams, Trialist
Second half: Evans, Bennett, Daniels, Monthé, Trialist, Comley, Kinsella, Allen, Trialist (Maher 84’), Trialist, James-Taylor