Well what can i say, Men against boys today.
Only one team in it from early on with Stoke playing rather a good passing game and imposing themselves very well. You could see the difference from the team sheet that it was going to be a hard struggle which indeed it was.
Stoke played the game with a great mix of short and precise quality long balls which both Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome lapped up and showed their quality. Ben Marshall , who was on loan at Sheffield Wednesday not so long ago was in fine form with a couple of assists and goals.
Not much to say about Walsall but between myself and Steve we couldn't work out the formation first half as it seemed like only 3 at the back with Gnapka helping out.
In midfield we had Hurst, Jarvis Gnapka, Grigg and Flanagan with Bowerman and Rodney upfront.
Hard to make out who shone on our side but Gnapka should certainly be pushing for a start (but at who's expense?)
Trialist, Naille Rodney was not in the game really but was that down to the quality of the opposition? Subbed early in the second half.
Hurst was not at the races but i think the run out would have been more beneficial than the performance he too was subbed.
I think the game certainly benefited Stokes squad rather than ours. There are clearly issues with the strength and depth of our squad.
RESULT: Stoke City Reserves 7 (Jones, Marshall (2), Jerome (2), Soares (2) Walsall Reserves 0