Walsall were back in action on Saturday afternoon as they made their way to Damson Park where they took on Solihull Moors in their final pre-season game ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.The opening effort of the game went the way of the Moors as, following a foul on James Gale, summer signing John Bostock saw a free kick rise over Tommy Simkin's bar and out of play. The shot giving Tommy plenty to think about in the early stages of the contest.
Walsall's first opening of note saw the team battle to move up the field of play as Liam Gordon and Josh Gordon combined, for the former to shoot straight at Moors 'keeper Laurie Walker, who wasn't really tested.
Solihull continued to look the better of the two sides and, following a nice passage of play between Joe Newton and Jack Stevens, Stevens crosses the ball only for the Walsall defence do eventually clear the danger.
The next chance of the game also went the way of Solihull, as Stevens was able to get the better of Oisin McEntee before playing the ball into Matt Warburton, who could only send a shot wide of the Walsall goal.
The Saddlers had something of an injury scare with thirty-minutes on the clock as on-loan Stoke City goalkeeper Simkin require some treatment from the medical team. He was able to continue, but will no doubt be monitored as we edge closer to the opening day of the season.
A few minutes after play resumed, Walsall created another promising opening that saw Taylor Allen send a cross to the back post, but recent arrival Connor Barrett was unable to keep his header down as a goal kick was awarded.
The Saddlers created the final effort of the half as Tylor Allen continued his search for goals when he found space on the edge of the Solihull area, but was only able to send an effort high over the bar.
The home side made a change at the break, with former Saddler Joss Labadie being replaced by Jacob Pinnington in midfield.
Moors' sub almost made an immediate impact as his well-placed pass found Tahvon Campbell in the penalty area, but the striker was adjudged to have fouled his man before he could get a meaningful shot away.
Mat Sadler made his first change of the game with around an hour on the clock, as Oisin McEntee was replaced by David Okagbue.
The Moors also made a change as Bradley Stevenson took the place of Matt Warburton, a move that almost paid an immediate dividend as he burst through the Walsall line before dragging an effort wide of goal.
The Saddlers' backline continued to be tested as Campbell played Gale in behind but he was unable to make the most of his opening as Simkin made the save down low.
Walsall were eventually able to get into the opposition half when Liam Gordon took the ball down the length of the pitch before squaring the ball for Josh Gordon, who saw Moors 'keeper Laurie Walker make the save.
The Saddlers went on to make their second change of the contest as Ronan Maher came on for Jamille Matt in attack.
Solihull's pursuit for the opening goal of the game almost paid off with around fourteen minutes of the game remaining, as Jack Stevens got the better of Connor Barrett before sending a ball to the back post, where Gale was only able to find the side netting.
Moors' next move was one on the bench as Kian Ryley came on for Tahvon Campbell before Finley took the place of Jack Stevens later in the half.
There were a couple more chances in the dying stages of the game as Newton took the ball up the pitch before that led to Stevenson going down inside the area, referee Greg Rollason was unmoved.
Walsall broke up the other end with Jamie Jellis finding Maher in a promising position where he saw an effort blocked by some desperate defending before Walker gathered the ball.
A disappointing outing for the Saddlers. Terribly poor in attack as the lack of a true target man continues to cause pain for the team as a whole.
| AT | DAMSON PARK |
| REFEREE | GREG ROLLASON |