Walsall continued their steady build towards the 2024/25 campaign on Tuesday evening as they made their way to Weavers Park in Louth where they took on fellow Trivela Group side, Drogheda United for the Trivela Cup.Looking to add more match minutes and possibly take a look at another formation or two, Saddlers Head Coach Mat Sadler named a competitive side that included many of the available first-teamers as well as some of the fringe players.
The first opening of the game fell to the hosts as Killian Cailloce was just unable to gain control of a long ball as Walsall stopper Sam Hornby gathered to prevent an opening goal.
Drogheda's next opportunity came via a corner as Matthew O'Brien's ball in was met by Jack Keaney but he could only manage to head the ball over the bar for a goal-kick.
The home side saw appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee despite Warren Davis going to ground under Priestley Farquharson's challenge in the Walsall area.
The Drogs continued to create the better openings as Elicha Ahui's long throw was flicked on by Keaney before Hornby was called into action - the recent arrival making a strong save.
Walsall were finally able to test their opponent's backline with ten minutes of the half remaining as Ronan Maher forced Andrew Wogan into a save with the ball falling to Josh Gordon who could only send the ball over the bar.
Drogheda made a couple of changes at the break with Osaze Irhue and Manny Milongo replacing Elicha Ahui and James Bolger.
Whilst Walsall's changes saw David Okagbue, Liam Gordon, Jamie Jellis, and Ryan Stirk replaced by Harry Williams, Oisin McEntee, Charlie Lakin, and Taylor Allen.
The second half took a while to get going as neither side was able to create anything of note in the opposition's final third, with the only notable thing being another change as Jamille Matt was replaced by Dylan Thomas for the Saddlers.
Shortly after the hour mark Drogs captain Adam Foley got on the end of a good pass and tried to put the ball over an onrushing Hornby but saw his effort hit the side netting as the score remained tied.
Walsall continued to be pushed back and were soon forced into action as Sam Case found Sean McCarthy at the back-post, but Hornby was able to prevent the opening goal with a fine save.
The home side opted to make a few more changes as Frantz Pierrot, Cameron Feehan, Aaron Harper-Bailey, and Douglas James-Taylor replaced Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Sam Case, and Killian Calloce.
With around fifteen minutes of the game remaining Drogheda were handed an opportunity to take the lead as substitutes Williams and Pierrot collided inside the area leading to a spot kick that James-Taylor was only too happy to convert.
There were a few more changes shortly after the goal as Harry O'Connor replaced Sean McCarthy and Bridel Bosakani came on for Warren Davis for Drogheda, whilst Charlie Wragg took the place of Josh Gordon for the Saddlers.
Bosakani almost made an immediate impact as he got on the end of a well-placed James-Taylor ball but was thwarted by Hornby who did well to remain alert and save the early effort well.
Walsall finally showed what they were capable of in the latter stages of the match as Ronan Maher levelled the scores with a well-taken goal. RAM continued to show promise as he netted from an angle.
Drogheda went close to reestablishing their lead via Matt O'Brien, his shot going wide of the goal as the Walsall backline allowed him plenty of space.
Saddlers stopper Hornby was soon back in action as he gathered from a deflected ball into the box that struck Williams before going close to adding a second for the Drogs.
Loaned-out Saddler James-Taylor almost broke his parent club's heart in the dying stages as he saw a goal disallowed for offside.
The match ended all square with penalties called as the Teivela Cup needed a winner...
Charlie Lakin saved • Douglas James-Taylor scored
Ronan Maher saved • Frantz Pierrot scored
Oisin McEntee scored • Matthew O'Brien saved
Taylor Allen scored • Jack Keaney scored
Connor Barrett scored • Cameron Feehan scored
Drogheda won the shoot-out 4-3 and with it took ownership of the coveted Trivela Cup, which is actually a trophy!
| JAMES-TAYLOR [P] (75') | MAHER (83') |
| AT | WEAVERS PARK |