YOUTH ALLIANCE: Walsall 2 Wrexham 2

Here is our report from Wednesday afternoon's EFL Youth Alliance clash between Walsall and Wrexham.

Walsall Under-18s returned to EFL Youth Alliance (North West) action on Wednesday afternoon as they played host to Wrexham on the 4G pitch at Banks's Stadium. Here is our brief match report.

Ganley; Little, Fisher, Bates, Leivesley, Kendrick, K.Flanagan, O'Sullivan, Freemantle, Parker, Cairns

Substitutes: Dawe, Friel, Ruddock, Massamba, Leak

Kirkham, Stephens, Williams, Beaumont, Tharme, Thorn, McGregor, Sargent, Freeman, Buckley, Pilkington

Substitutes: Rigby, Huxley, Allshorn, Jones

Graham Biggs' Saddlers arrived at today's game sat in twelfth place in their section of the EFL Youth Alliance, having won just three of their twelve games. The young Saddlers have struggled to put together a run of positive results so far this season, and headed into today's game keen to cut the gap on the ninth placed Dragons.

The Saddlers started today's game well and could've taken the lead after ten minutes as they were awarded a penalty when Ethan Freemantle was felled in the area. Sadly for the Saddlers, they were unable to take advantage of their spot kick opportunity as Wrexham stopper Owen Kirkham was able to get down to Joe Cairns' low effort.

Walsall would soon be punished for their missed opportunity as Wrexham went into the lead after fifteen minutes as defender Dan Stephens slotted the ball home from close range.

The Saddlers levelled the scores in the second-half as Cody Fisher fired the ball low across the 'keeper and into the back of the net, a fine finish from the edge of the area to get his side back on level terms.

Walsall would go into the lead shortly after as Fisher unleashed a superb effort from out wide, his shot reaching the far top corner, giving the 'keeper no chance.

The Saddlers were unable to take all three points as Wrexham levelled the scores late on with a finish from close range. A disappointing result but encouraging performance for the Saddlers as their Youth Alliance campaign continues.

WFC

2 - 2

WXMFC

Fisher (x2)