Darrell Clarke named a strong side as his team took part in a behind closed doors friendly. The manager hoping to learn a little more about his squad as they continue to build towards their season-opening clash with Northampton Town.
Walsall XI: Rose; Facey, Clarke, Scarr, Pring; Hardy, Bates, Kiersey, A.Trialist, McDonald; Candlin
Substitutes: L.Roberts; Norman, Leak, Cockerill-Mollett; Sinclair, Kinsella; Gordon, Adebayo
Substitutes: L.Roberts; Norman, Leak, Cockerill-Mollett; Sinclair, Kinsella; Gordon, Adebayo
The Saddlers got the game underway but it was the hosts who enjoyed the better start to the game. And they soon created the first opening as the ball was switched across the field before a whipped ball-in was headed over the bar.
Walsall's first real opening arrived just before the quarter-hour mark as A.Trialist - believed to be Bristol City's Rory Holden - played Wes McDonald into space, the summer signing then beat his man before firing over the bar from inside the area.
The Saddlers went close again just a couple of minutes later as Jack Kiersey's corner was met by James Clarke, the former Bristol Rovers man was however unable to find the target as the ball drifted wide of goal.
Walsall's next chance arrived via another summer signing as James Hardy forced the 'keeper into a save with a low drive. The former AFC Fylde midfielder cutting inside before unleashing his shot which was sadly straight at the man between the sticks.
The first goal of the game arrived shortly after the half-hour mark as Hardy's neat pass found Kieresy in space, the midfielder took a touch before curling the ball home past the 'keeper. Far too much room for the former Evertonian to work his magic.
The Saddlers, buoyed by their opening goal, almost grabbed another just moments later as, following a good display of close control from Mitchel Candlin, recent arrival Wes McDonald slammed the ball off the crossbar.
McDonald wasn't finished and was soon back on the attack. This time the former Yeovil Town man, who had combined with Hardy to find space, cut inside his marker before forcing the 'keeper into a comfortable save.
It wasn't all one-way traffic and our hosts could've levelled the scores going into half-time as a left-wing free-kick was headed onto Jack Rose' crossbar before going behind for a goal kick.
Walsall's first real opening arrived just before the quarter-hour mark as A.Trialist - believed to be Bristol City's Rory Holden - played Wes McDonald into space, the summer signing then beat his man before firing over the bar from inside the area.
The Saddlers went close again just a couple of minutes later as Jack Kiersey's corner was met by James Clarke, the former Bristol Rovers man was however unable to find the target as the ball drifted wide of goal.
Walsall's next chance arrived via another summer signing as James Hardy forced the 'keeper into a save with a low drive. The former AFC Fylde midfielder cutting inside before unleashing his shot which was sadly straight at the man between the sticks.
The first goal of the game arrived shortly after the half-hour mark as Hardy's neat pass found Kieresy in space, the midfielder took a touch before curling the ball home past the 'keeper. Far too much room for the former Evertonian to work his magic.
The Saddlers, buoyed by their opening goal, almost grabbed another just moments later as, following a good display of close control from Mitchel Candlin, recent arrival Wes McDonald slammed the ball off the crossbar.
McDonald wasn't finished and was soon back on the attack. This time the former Yeovil Town man, who had combined with Hardy to find space, cut inside his marker before forcing the 'keeper into a comfortable save.
It wasn't all one-way traffic and our hosts could've levelled the scores going into half-time as a left-wing free-kick was headed onto Jack Rose' crossbar before going behind for a goal kick.
ODRA OPOLE
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0 - 1
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WALSALL
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Our opponents got the second-half underway and, following a quiet opening fifteen minutes-or-so, Darrell Clarke opted to make several changes with Cameron Norman, Tom Leak, Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Liam Kinsella, Stuart Sinclair, Josh Gordon, and Elijah Adebayo replacing Dan Scarr, Alfie Bates, James Hardy, Shay Facey, Wes McDonald, Mitch Candlin, and A.Trialist.
The second forty-five was somewhat different to the first as the Saddlers enjoyed plenty of the ball but were unable to create much in the way of goal-scoring opportunities with Odra Opole able to hold off their visitors for large portions of the half.
The first real opening of the half arrived after around seventy-five minutes as goal-scorer Kiersey's corner was met by substitute Cockerill-Mollett in the box, the left-back guiding an effort on to the post, the score remaining one-nil as the game continued.
Walsall continued to prod and probe their opponents in search of another goal as Odra's defence displayed plenty of strength and concentration, with the Saddlers squad earning plenty of much-needed match minutes.
The game would eventually wind down with the Saddlers ultimately securing a second win in three days as they continue to prepare for their League Two opener against the Cobblers at the PTS Academy Stadium.
The second forty-five was somewhat different to the first as the Saddlers enjoyed plenty of the ball but were unable to create much in the way of goal-scoring opportunities with Odra Opole able to hold off their visitors for large portions of the half.
The first real opening of the half arrived after around seventy-five minutes as goal-scorer Kiersey's corner was met by substitute Cockerill-Mollett in the box, the left-back guiding an effort on to the post, the score remaining one-nil as the game continued.
Walsall continued to prod and probe their opponents in search of another goal as Odra's defence displayed plenty of strength and concentration, with the Saddlers squad earning plenty of much-needed match minutes.
The game would eventually wind down with the Saddlers ultimately securing a second win in three days as they continue to prepare for their League Two opener against the Cobblers at the PTS Academy Stadium.
ODRA OPOLE
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0 - 1
|
WALSALL
|
Kiersey (32')
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Attendance: N/A
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Referee: N/A
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