Taking place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, Walsall were looking to add more match minutes and build upon their recent win over Alvechurch as they edge closer to the 2024/25 Sky Bet League Two campaign.Walsall boss Mat Sadler named a side that, with a few additions, could easily start the season against Morecambe in early August with summer signings Tommy Simkin, Connor Barrett and Charlie Lakin among the starting XI.
The first opening of the game went the way of the Saddlers as Charlie Lakin's inviting free-kick was headed over the bar by captain Donervon Daniels after he evaded his marker to rise towards the ball.
The visitors were the next to create an opening as Kaine Kesler-Hayden saw a powerful effort fly past the post after Morgan Rodgers had done well to create an opening in the Walsall area.
Villa were soon back on the attack and forced Tommy SImkin into a save as former Everton and Luton Town man Ross Barkley unleashed a shot from outside the area.
Walsall briefly thought they'd opened the scoring a few minutes later after Lakin gathered up a loose ball and fed Josh Gordon who forced Robin Olsen into a save before prodding the ball over the line before the flag was raised.
The visitors grabbed the opening goal of the game as, after Brandon Comley fouled Barkley, a quick free-kick found Morgan Rodgers in space, with the former Middlesbrough man putting the ball into the back of the net.
Walsall's evening went from bad to worse a couple of minutes later as Comley was forced off through injury with Ryan Stirk taking his place in midfield.
Charlie Lakin went close to levelling the scores after forcing Olsen into a save, with the resulting corner coming to nothing.
The second goal of the game also went the way of the Villans as after Rodgers saw a deflected shot saved for a corner, Barkley's resulting corner found Rodgers in space as he prodded the ball over the line.
Walsall came close to halving the deficit late in the half as Oisin McEntee found space with an attacking run before delivering a cross into Jamille Matt, who could only send a header wide of goal.
The Saddlers made a raft of changes at the break with the four trialists, including former Villa man Albert Adomah, taking to the field.
Walsall created the first opening of the second forty-five when Taylor Allen's well-placed corner floated into the box but D.Trialist was unable to make the most of it as Villa cleared the danger.
The next chance also went the way of the Saddlers as Ryan Stirk floated a cross into the back post but D.Trialist, who found plenty of space, was only able to head an effort wide of the post.
Taylor Allen was the next Saddler to create a chance as he found C.Trialist in space before the prospective signing sent a low, driven ball across the box, but no one was able to get on the end of the cross.
Midway through the half Villa went close to adding a third goal as Lucas Digne found space inside the box but Leon Bailey was unable to make use of his pass as he sent a shot over the bar.
Substitute Enzo Barrenechea was next in line to go close as his cross went over the bar, another close call for the Walsall defence as they looked to get on the ball and drive up the pitch.
The visitors went on to further extend their lead on the stroke of full-time as Samuel Illing-Junior broke down the wing before crossing to Louie Barry, with the prospect slotting the ball into the back of the net.
That was the end of the game as Villa ran out comfortable winners.
| RODGERS (20') RODGERS (36') BARRY (90') |
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| AT | POUNDLAND BESCOT STADIUM |
| REFEREE | OLLIE YATES |