Walsall Under-18s returned to action on Saturday morning as they played host to Port Vale Under-18s in their seventh EFL Youth Alliance outing of the season.
After losing all six of their Alliance games, including last weekend's 5-1 defeat to Rochdale, the young Saddlers were looking to return to winning ways as they welcomed the Valiants to Ray Hall Lane.
WALSALL TEAM
Tommy Jackson; Josh Simcox, Rio Sawyers, Malik-Abdul Lawal-Olumetbon, Javan Artwell, Jack Shaw, Lee Quincey, Ronan Maher, Shay Willock, Callum Derry, Marvellous Onabirekhanlen
Substitutes: Antonio Cristofaro, Tayshen Robinson, Will Uchenna, Ollie Jones, Jack Bailey
Substitutes: Antonio Cristofaro, Tayshen Robinson, Will Uchenna, Ollie Jones, Jack Bailey
Walsall started the game well and had the first opening of note as captain Josh Simcox forced the Vale 'keeper into a save with an effort from Lee Quincey's corner ball, The referee ultimately pulled play back for a foul just before a Saddler slammed the ball home.
It wasn't all Walsall's way as goalkeeper Tommy Jackson was soon called into action as Eden Bailey was able to break through the Saddlers' backline and force the stopper into a save. Not only was he equal to the initial effort, but was also able to deny Vale on the rebound.
The first goal of the game arrived via midway through the first-half, as forward Callum Derry was able to take full advantage of a defensive error to slot the ball into an empty net.
Buoyed by their goal, the Saddlers were soon in search of a second and almost secured it as Marvellous Onabirekhanlen forced the Vale 'keeper into a strong save as his defence was breached once again.
Sadly for the Saddlers, their lead was soon cancelled out as Eden Bailey got the better of Jackson and put the sides back on level terms with around six minutes of the half remaining.
Port Vale almost took the lead on the stroke of half-time, as Abdi Osman was able to break through midfield before unleashing an effort in the direction of the top corner. Thankfully for the Saddlers, Tommy Jackson was equal to the effort and produced a fine save.
The Saddlers made a duo of changes at the break, as Ollie Jones and Will Uchenna replaced Javan Artwell and Shay Willock. With Antonio Cristofaro also taking to the field in place of goalscorer Callum Derry.
The Saddlers went close to re-establishing their lead early in the second forty-five as Uchenna was able to get on the end of Ronan Maher's slick through ball, beat his man before scuffing an effort past the post.
Jack Shaw was the next Saddler to see an effort drift wide of goal as he got on the end of a Simcox pass but couldn't control the direction of his effort as the scores remained tied.
Port Vale were soon able to collect themselves and went on to take the lead via Rhys Walters, as he netted, much to the frustration of Tommy Jackson in the Walsall goal.
The Saddlers' task was made all that harder later in the half as Josh Simcox picked up a second booking and was sent for an early shower.
The numbers were soon level, however, as Vale man John Clarke was also dismissed close to full-time, although his side was still able to secure all three points.
FT
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WFC
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1-2
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PVFC
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Derry (21') |
Bailey (39') Walters (76')
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AT
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Ray Hall Lane
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