THE SADDLERS' second-string battled out a 2-1 win at Oldham on a blustery night in the north-west.

"We had to dig in during the first half as we came up against a strong wind," said Eric McManus. "The boys worked hard for each other and we were in control for long periods.

"Ishmel Demontagnac was a threat all evening and hit the post in the first half before Alex Nicholls gave us a 25th minute lead.

"We allowed our hosts back into it from the penalty spot, but put in a good team performance after the break, with young Tom Schwarz doing particularly well in the heart of defence.

"The winning goal that we deserved finally came with five minutes to go when David McDermott fired home from 30 yards."

WALSALL: Bossu, Woollaston, Sansara, C. Davies, Smith, T. Schwarz, Hanna (Wilkes), Nicholls, Deeney, McDermott, Demontagnac (Bacchus). Subs not used: Curtis, Silver, Gilmartin.