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Walsall continued their pre-season preparations as they took on Birmingham City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Wasthills on Tuesday afternoon.
The match was a close affair with Scott Hogan's goal proving to be enough to secure the win for the Championship side.
As first reported by the club's official website, Michael Flynn’s men made a bright start to the game, showing good energy and enterprise in the early exchanges., with the first meaningful opportunity going the way of Blues former Saddler Troy Deeney forced Adam Przybek into a fine save.
Walsall enjoyed several spells of possession during the first half but were unable to create too many clear-cut chances ahead of Hogan's goal, which saw the forward intercept a poor back pass before putting the ball beyond Przybek.
As it was a pre-season exercise, both teams changed XIs for the second half, with the Saddlers starting the second period on top as Trialist cut the ball back to Taylor Allen who tried his luck but his shot was blocked.
Recent arrival Allen was involved again in the 63rd minute as his corner was met by Donervon Daniels whose header flew over the bar.
With time ticking down, Saddlers boss Flynn made another change as scholar Ronan Maher in place of Trialist, the young attacker getting a welcome opportunity to impress ahead of the new campaign.
Blues boss John Eustace saw his side go close to doubling their lead with five minutes to go when Odin Bailey latched on to a poor clearance in the box but he dragged his shot wide.
Walsall saw a glorious chance to level go begging when Douglas James-Taylor was played through on goal, but he was unable to make the most of it as he saw an effort go wide of goal.
Meanwhile, second-half substitute Maher also tried his luck from distance moments later but he fired over and the referee blew the final whistle shortly after.
First half: Przybek, White, Clarke, Trialist, Trialist, Riley, Trialist, Hutchinson, Trialist, Williams, Trialist
Second half: Evans, Bennett, Daniels, Monthé, Trialist, Comley, Kinsella, Allen, Trialist (Maher 84’), Trialist, James-Taylor
Main image: Walsall FC