THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Vale Park.

The home side started well and took the lead just before the quarter-hour mark when a corner was headed beyond Rene Gilmartin.

Worse was to follow less than ten minutes later when Vale amanged to double their advantage.

It shocked Walsall into life as Kevin Betsy and then new-boy, Aaron Brown both went close before Betsy almost seized upon some defensive hesitation as the half came to a close.

With Troy Deeney and youth-teamer, Daryl Westlake on in place of Alex Nicholls and Darren Wrack respectively, the second half started with a penalty for The Saddlers, however Stefan Moore saw his effort saved.

Vale got a spot-kick of their own shortly afterwards and they made no mistake to make it 3-0.

Charlton Davies entered the action in place of Edrissa Sonko as the home side completed the scoring on 84 minutes to complete a miserable night.

"It was very disappointing to lose the game in the manner that we did," said Jimmy Mullen. "The incentive was there for us to finish as runners-up and whilst this is still within reach, we will need to perform to a much higher standard both as a team and as individuals."

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Wrack (Westlake), Sansara, Smith, Brown, N'Dour, Sonko (C. Davies), McDermott, Betsy, Moore, Nicholls (Deeney). Subs not used: Bacchus, Harris.