Walsall played host to Salford City Reserves in their second Central League game of the season on Tuesday afternoon, with the match being played behind closed doors at the Birmingham County FA's headquarters on Ray Hall Lane in Great Barr.
WALSALL XI & SUBSTITUTES
Walker; Sharp, Foulkes, Zona, J.Perry, Dallywaters, Campbell, Perez-Duah, Francis, Stephens, Mukadam
Substitutes: Simcox, Derry, Barry, Brad
After opening their campaign with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield Town the Saddlers, today managed by Miguel Llera, were keen to get their first points on the board as they took on the Ammies.
It was the visitors who created the first chance of note as Saddlers stopper Lewis Walker was called into action as City central midfielder Liam Loughlan found space and fired an effort towards goal.
Sadly for the Saddlers they were unable to retain their clean sheet for much longer as defender Ramani Stephens finished of a City attack by heading into his own net to put the visitors into what will no doubt have been a welcome lead.
The visitors continued to create the most chances and again forced Walker in to action as young striker Daniel Hawkins, who recently penned new terms with the Peninsula Stadium side, drew a save at the near post.
Salford's next opening arrived around four minutes before half-time and saw Louis Walsh send a curling effort towards goal. Stopper Walker was once again equal to it as he pushed the ball away from goal.
TOWN
|
HT
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WALSALL
|
WALSALL
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0 - 1
|
SALFORD
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Sadly for the Saddlers the second-half didn't get underway to the greatest start as Hawkins netted twice during a six-minute spell to extend Salford's lead. Goals after 51' and 57' minutes putting the game almost out of reach for the home side.
Walsall reacted to the goals by making a couple of changes in personnel with 'Grade A Academy' graduate Troy Perez-Duah making way for Taylor Brad before Callum Derry replaced Ade Francis a few minutes later.
Salford went on to further extend their lead around ten minutes from time via Lewis McKinley, as Walsall's young side were put to the sword, giving them plenty to work on heading into their next outing, an away clash with Grimsby Town next week.
TOWN
|
FT
|
WALSALL
|
WALSALL
|
0 - 4
|
SALFORD
|
Stephens (OG, 13') Hawkins (51') Hawkins (57') McKinley (79')
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VENUE
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Ray Hall Lane
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REFEREE
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TBC
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