Walsall's Under-18s were back in Youth Alliance Cup action on Friday afternoon as they travelled to Clipstone FC's Worksop Van Hire Stadium to take on Mansfield Town's Under-18s. Here is our brief match update.
Ahead of kick-off, Graham Biggs's side hadn't been in action in over a week, their most recent outing saw them defeated by Wrexham as the young Dragons scored two goals to the Saddlers' one in the Alliance Cup.
Young striker Joe Cairns struck in either half to help move the Saddlers up the group and into contention with just a few games remaining. Walsall had a win and draw from their opening two group games.
Mansfield have made light work of Group 5, earning three wins from their three games. They have earned victories over Burton Albion, Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town which saw them sit atop the group ahead of kick-off. The young Stags went into today's match able to secure qualification for the next stage simply by avoiding defeat.
The young Saddlers were unable to overcome their in-form opponents and went behind in the first-half as Nyle Blake broke free of the backline to race through and slot the ball into the bottom right corner of goal.
Mansfield would go on to double their lead shortly after half-time as Riley O'Sullivan hit a left footed shot into the top corner from six yards following a bustling run from Harry Bircumshaw.
Our hosts further extended their lead after seventy-eight minutes of play as central defender Aiden Walker scored with a close range header from a Kamen Cashmore corner, disappointing for the Saddlers as the Stags' fine form continued.
There were no further goals as Mansfield comfortably secured their place in the next round. Still plenty of work for Graham Biggs and his Saddlers to do if they are to join them in Round Two.
Ahead of kick-off, Graham Biggs's side hadn't been in action in over a week, their most recent outing saw them defeated by Wrexham as the young Dragons scored two goals to the Saddlers' one in the Alliance Cup.
Young striker Joe Cairns struck in either half to help move the Saddlers up the group and into contention with just a few games remaining. Walsall had a win and draw from their opening two group games.
Mansfield have made light work of Group 5, earning three wins from their three games. They have earned victories over Burton Albion, Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town which saw them sit atop the group ahead of kick-off. The young Stags went into today's match able to secure qualification for the next stage simply by avoiding defeat.
The young Saddlers were unable to overcome their in-form opponents and went behind in the first-half as Nyle Blake broke free of the backline to race through and slot the ball into the bottom right corner of goal.
Mansfield would go on to double their lead shortly after half-time as Riley O'Sullivan hit a left footed shot into the top corner from six yards following a bustling run from Harry Bircumshaw.
Our hosts further extended their lead after seventy-eight minutes of play as central defender Aiden Walker scored with a close range header from a Kamen Cashmore corner, disappointing for the Saddlers as the Stags' fine form continued.
There were no further goals as Mansfield comfortably secured their place in the next round. Still plenty of work for Graham Biggs and his Saddlers to do if they are to join them in Round Two.
EFL YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP | FT
Mansfield Town 3 Walsall 0
⚽ Blake, O'Sullivan, Walker