Earlier this evening Walsall faced West Bromwich Albion in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup, following our 'Live Blog' here is our 'On the Whistle' report;Walsall won an immediate corner through soon-to be pro Amadou Bakayoko, however the corner was easily cleared by the West Brom defence.
Baggies striker Dan Barlow was the target of early WBA possession, as the Baggies looked to capitalise on some early possession.
The first effort at goal of the game as Walsall's Carlton McKenzie who pounced on a loose defensive pass, ran the length of the Baggies half before firing over the bar.
Saddlers midfielder Carlton McKenzie,was a constant threat as he once pounced on another loose pass, then worked the ball to Alex Reid, who mis-controlled the ball, which ran out of play.
Walsall began to get on top and pressed the Baggies back, star-man McKenzie beat his man and sent in a cross, but it was just too high for the on-running Bakayoko.
Winger Westleigh Rush also had a shot blocked as the Saddlers enjoyed a good spell of possession.
Liam Kinsella skilfully found Carlton McKenzie, who advanced forward before returning the ball to Kinsella, his shot is saved well by Baggies stopper Palmer.
Walsall opened the scoring with a superbly driven shot into the bottom corner from McKenzie.
West Brom equalised immediately as striker Barrow skilfully controlled a long ball and lobbed the out-rushing Richard Jones.
McKenzie caused the Baggies defence a few headaches, including nearly playing Alex Reid through on goal, his pass just evaded the attacker.
Jamie Ashmore found McKenzie with a great pass, his shot was well saved by Palmer.
Late on in the second half Walsall 'keeper Jones saved well from Samir Nabi.
Just before the break Alex Reid sent in a ball that is just too high for the on-rushing Bakayoko.
GOAL: West Brom 0 Walsall 1 (McKenzie 30')
GOAL: West Brom 1 (Barrow 31') Walsall 1
McKenzie caused the Baggies defence a few headaches, including nearly playing Alex Reid through on goal, his pass just evaded the attacker.
Jamie Ashmore found McKenzie with a great pass, his shot was well saved by Palmer.
Late on in the second half Walsall 'keeper Jones saved well from Samir Nabi.
Just before the break Alex Reid sent in a ball that is just too high for the on-rushing Bakayoko.
HALF TIME: West Brom 1 Walsall 1
The second half began somewhat different to the first, neither side was able to take much control.
Eventually, Walsall defender Jamie Ashmore sent in a cross that was just too high for Alex Reid who arrived at the far post, that was our first real chance in the opening ten minutes of the half.
Eventually, Walsall defender Jamie Ashmore sent in a cross that was just too high for Alex Reid who arrived at the far post, that was our first real chance in the opening ten minutes of the half.
GOAL: West Brom 2 (Wright 58') Walsall 1
Baggies striker Brad Sweeney had a shot from distance, Walsall 'keeper Richard Jones could only parry as Wright steps in to bundle home.
Soon after West Brom's Jack Hallahan had a shot from some distance, it wasn't enough to trouble Jones, but the Baggies were beginning to take control as Walsall struggled to re-gain possession.
Carlton McKenzie remained a threat for Walsall, the defence often struggled to mark him during attacking spells.
West Brom remained on top and had several openings, including one through Barrow who almost sent Wright through with a long ball, Saddlers defender Alex Dallison doing well to clear the danger.
Late on Baggies defender Tom Smart cut out a McKenzie cross before Bakayoko could control the ball, but it was not enough as the referee blew the final whistle.
West Brom advance to the next round.
Soon after West Brom's Jack Hallahan had a shot from some distance, it wasn't enough to trouble Jones, but the Baggies were beginning to take control as Walsall struggled to re-gain possession.
Carlton McKenzie remained a threat for Walsall, the defence often struggled to mark him during attacking spells.
West Brom remained on top and had several openings, including one through Barrow who almost sent Wright through with a long ball, Saddlers defender Alex Dallison doing well to clear the danger.
Late on Baggies defender Tom Smart cut out a McKenzie cross before Bakayoko could control the ball, but it was not enough as the referee blew the final whistle.
West Brom advance to the next round.
F/T: West Brom 2 (Barrow 31', Wright 58') Walsall 1 (McKenzie 30')