On Tuesday afternoon a Walsall XI made the short trip to Montgomery Waters Meadow to take on Shrewsbury Town in a behind closed doors friendly, as both clubs look to boost the match fitness of their fringe players.
Walsall XI | Liam Roberts; Liam Kinsella, Kory Roberts, Ben Kendrick, Callum Cockerill-Mollett; Reece Flanagan, Jordon Sangha, Will Shorrock; Maziar Kouhyar; Mitchel Candlin, Cameron Peters
Shrewsbury Town XI | Craig MacGillivray, Joe Riley, Chris Gallagher, Ebou Adams, Christos Shelis, Zak Jules, Dan James, George Hughes, Stefan Payne, Niall Ennis, Arthur Gnahoua
Walsall named a youthful starting XI as they faced-off against the Shrews. Highly-rated striker Mitchel Candlin was partnered up front by Cameron Peters as Liam Kinsella continued to work on his newly stabilised position of right-back. Midfielder Reece Flanagan started in midfield as he looks to break back into the first-team following an injury-hit 2016/17 campaign.
Although there were plenty of goal-scoring opportunities in the first-half the match reached the break all-square as both sides grabbed one goal apiece.
Our hosts started the game well and took the lead after twelve minutes as Dan James found Stefan Payne with his back to goal, the striker turned his man and sent the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
The Saddlers were not behind for long as Mitchel Candlin, who recently turned pro - signing a three-year deal, smashed the ball home from twenty-five yards. A superb strike from the young prospect.
The second-half was quieter than the first but the Shrews did go on to secure the win late in the game as Arthur Gnahoua slipped the ball home from inside the penalty area. A nice pass from Dan James finding the attacker in space.
A good run out for both sides who now look ahead to Saturday afternoon's respective League One ties.
Although there were plenty of goal-scoring opportunities in the first-half the match reached the break all-square as both sides grabbed one goal apiece.
Our hosts started the game well and took the lead after twelve minutes as Dan James found Stefan Payne with his back to goal, the striker turned his man and sent the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
The Saddlers were not behind for long as Mitchel Candlin, who recently turned pro - signing a three-year deal, smashed the ball home from twenty-five yards. A superb strike from the young prospect.
The second-half was quieter than the first but the Shrews did go on to secure the win late in the game as Arthur Gnahoua slipped the ball home from inside the penalty area. A nice pass from Dan James finding the attacker in space.
A good run out for both sides who now look ahead to Saturday afternoon's respective League One ties.
FRIENDLY | FT
SHREWSBURY TOWN 2 WALSALL 1
⚽ Payne, Gnahoua - Candlin