COVENTRY CITY 1 WALSALL 2 - 29/8/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string made a winning start to their Pontin's Holidays League Central Division campaign with a fine 2-1 victory against Coventry City at Nuneaton Borough's new Liberty Way ground.

Eric McManus' side deservedly took the lead in the tenth minute following some positive play from Alex Nicholls. His eventual shot was pushed out by the home 'keeper into the path of Troy Deeney who was alert to fire home.

It was Walsall who were enjoying the majority of the possession, however, The Sky Blues managed to get themselves back on level terms going into the break.

The second period continued in much the same vein and The Saddlers' second goal was worthy of winning the game as a sweeping move out of defence ended with trailist Joao Batista Mawete firing home into the far corner with a sweet strike.

Deeney hit the post whilst the home side survived a couple of real scares as Walsall deservedly started the season with three points. "First and foremost it was very pleasing to start with such a good team performance," enthused Eric McManus at the final whistle. "There were some solid displays throughout the side and I am delighted that we have been able to come to a Championship club and get what was a deserved victory.

"It all bodes well for the future challenges that we face in this League."

WALSALL: Bertrand Bossu; Richard Taundry, Netan Sansara, Manny Smith, Ian Roper; Edrissa Sonko, Mark Bradley, David McDermott (Chris Hanna); Alex Nicholls, Troy Deeney (Richard Davies), Joao Batista Mawete (Harry Harris). Subs not used: Charlton Davies, Leon Quarless, Tom Cox (GK).

WALSALL 2 WOLVES 1 - 5/9/2007

A YOUTHFUL Saddlers' reserve team have come from behind to beat local rivals, Wolves in the Pontin's Holidays League Central Division.

It was a competitive opening with both sides starting full of energy.

Michael Gray fired over for Wolves in the tenth minute and Alex Nicholls did the same at the other end four minutes later.

A burst through the middle by Joao Batista Mawete ended with his low shot being pushed out by Graham Stack in the visitors' goal.

Then David McDermott showed fine vision to thread a ball through for Nicholls to run on to but he snatched at his shot and put the ball wide.

Within a couple of minutes Wolves had their noses in front when some hesitation in defence was seized upon by Liam Hughes who fired home from inside the area.

It was rough justice on The Saddlers' young side, but we kept at it and Charlton Davies who a free-kick in a dangerous position just past the half-hour mark which McDermott delivered into the danger zone but the ball was cleared for a corner.

With the half coming to a close, Mawete did well to hold off Kevin O'Connor as he latched onto a long ball forward. His shot was well saved from point-blank range by Stack who ensured that his side went in at the break leading by one goal to nil.

The second period started with McDermott arrowing a shot over from distance before Mawete made it 1-1 as the ball rebounded into his path following a decent save from Stack who denied Nicholls. The Angolan International made no mistake as he slotted home.

Within a couple of minutes The Saddlers were in front when a teasing free-kick from the right was met by a towering header from skipper Scott Dann.

As the visitors tried to get back into the game, Bossu did well to maintain our lead as Elliott Bennett looked to cause problems.

Deeney was replaced by Harry Harris and he was soon involved in the action as he was teed up by Nicholls only to fire just wide of the target.

Another intelligent ball from McDermott in the middle of the park set Nicholls racing away on 76 minutes but his low strike was blocked by Stack.

It was to be Nicholls' last action as he was replaced by youth team hot-shot, Alan Wilkes who has five goals to his name from two youth team appearances this term.

With two minutes left on the clock, Bossu again did well to deny Stephen Elliott who managed to dig out a shooting chance despite being out-numbered.

Elliott carved open another chance a minute later but again Bossu got the better of him as he held on to his low effort.

Wolves finished the game strongly and in injury time at the end, Bossu produced an acrobatic stop to seal am excellent victory for Eric McManus' young side.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, C. Davies, Dann, T. Schwarz, Hanna, Mawete, Deeney (Harris), McDermott, Nicholls (Wilkes). Subs not used: R. Davies, Silver, Cox.

WALSALL 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 - 11/9/2007

THE SADDLERS' young reserve side put up a brave performance against West Bromwich Albion but ultimately went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

A pacy burst by David Worrall in the fifth minute saw him find a way through The Saddlers' back-line only to be denied by Bertrand Bossu at full stretch as he tried to lift the ball over him.

Walsall were being pegged back for much of the opening exchanges but came to life in the 12th minute when firstly Richard Taundry's ball forward was perfect for Troy Deeney whose shot was blocked by Luke Steele in the visitors' goal.

Deeney turned provider a minute later when he latched onto a long ball out of defence before his cross from the right was met with a diving header from Joao Batista Mawete which beat Steele to open the scoring.

It was Mawete's third goal in as many reserve team outings.

On the quarter-hour mark a powerful drive by Bartosz Slusarski beat Bossu but was superbly headed off the line by skipper, Mark Bradley as Albion put the rebound wide of the target.

Ishmael Miller used his strength to good effect as he powered through only to blaze his effort over, whilst Alex Nicholls cut inside from the right at the other end to send a shot past Steele but just the wrong side of the crossbar.

After Tininho's cleever through-ball set Miller racing away, his low strike beat the advancing Bossu but crept inches wide.

The visitors eventually got back on level terms just before the break when a deep cross from the left evaded Leon Quarless at the far post and fell to Miller who made no mistake by lashing home to level matters going into the break.

There was a change for The Saddlers at the interval as Chris Hanna replaced Quarless.

A foul by Ishmel Demontagnac on Miller gave Albion a free-kick which Richard Chaplow delivered onto the head of Bostjan Cesar who was up from the back, but his effort went over.

Chaplow was then booked for a crunching challenge on Nicholls before a Mawete foul gave Albion a free-kick which Miller drilled narrowly wide.

With 56 minutes on the clock, a nice touch by Mawete played in Deeney who in turn set Hanna away out wide on the right. His low cross was scrambled clear ahead of Mawete.

At the other end, Jared Hodgkiss' inviting cross found Worrall whose deft touch had to be clawed away by Bossu.

There was a change for the visitors as Miller was replaced by Ricky Nicholls and they went on to take the lead with 20 minutes to go when a corner from the left was met by Cesar who planted a header home.

Demontagnac saw yellow shortly afterwards for a foul in the centre circle.

A sloppy back-pass by Cesar was seized upon by Deeney but Steele was alert to the danger to block.

There was an excellent low save by Bossu at the other end as the Frenchman got down well to push out a Nicholls drive that took a wicked deflection off Manny Smith as The Saddlers failed to clear their lines.

Bossu was called into action again from the resulting corner as he pushed out Chaplow's long-range drive.

A threaded through-ball by Bradley fell into the path of Mawete but his shot was kept out by Steele.

With time running out, The Saddlers pushed men forward and McDermott linked up with Deeney who battled hard to set up a shooting chance for Nicholls only for Albion to block.

In the closing stages, a foul on Mawete presented Demontagnac with a free-kick in a promising position but he was well off target and with it went Walsall's chances of taking something from the game.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, Bradley, Smith, Quarless (Hanna), Nicholls, Mawete, Deeney, McDermott, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Harris, T. Schwarz, R. Davies, Cox.

SHREWSBURY TOWN 1 WALSALL 3 - 17/9/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string chalked up a convincing 3-1 victory at the New Meadow, home of Shrewsbury Town.

"The lads can be pleased with their performance," said reserve team boss, Eric McManus. "We controlled the game from start to finish and ran out worthy winners.

"We took the lead early on when Richard Taundry did well to set up Troy Deeney who powerfully headed home.

"We didn't push on enough for the remainder of the opening period, but after a few words from the gaffer at half-time, we really took control after the break and in the end could have won by more.

"Deeney grabbed his second on the hour-mark following some neat play which ended with an intelligent through-ball from David McDermott.

"Our third goal game with around ten minutes to go when substitute, Charlton Davies set up Alex Nicholls.

"Again there were plenty of positive aspects to take from the game."

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, Bradley, Smith, McDermott (Quarless), Nicholls, Dobson, Deeney (Harris), Mawete, Demontagnac (C. Davies). Subs not used: Bacchus, Cox.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 WALSALL 0 - 25/9/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a 2-0 at the hands of table-topping Nottingham Forest in the Pontin's Holidays League.

Alan Power put the East Midlanders in front after three minutes and Felix Bastians added a second five minutes from the interval.

Despite having the lions share of possession in the second period, Eric McManus' side couldn't find a way through ensuring Forest maintained their 100% start to the season.

"At one-nil down, we missed a penalty and then hit the crossbar," said reserve team boss, Eric McManus. "We were always in the game but, to be fair, we didn't play as well as we have done in recent reserve games.

"Forest put out an experienced side and in the end we didn't do enough to take anything out of the game."

WALSALL: Bertrand Bossu; Richard Taundrey, Netan Sansara, Mark Bradley (c), Manny Smith, Charlton Davies, Alex Nicholls, Joao Batista Mawete (Chris Hanna 71), Troy Deeney, David McDermott, Ishmel Demontagnac. UNUSED SUBS: Harry Harris, Andrew Bentley, Leon Quarless, Tom Cox (GK).

WILLENHALL TOWN 0 WALSALL 3 (BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND) - 3/10/2007

THE SADDLERS breezed into the second round of the Birmingham Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over Willenhall Town.

We were in control for much of the game and took the lead with around ten minutes to go until half-time when David McDermott found the net with a well-taken free-kick.

Our advantage was doubled just after the restart when McDermott turned provider to set up Alex Nicholls who fired home with a low effort.

The scoring was complete just past the hour when Rhys Weston seized upon some sloppy defensive play by the home side.

Ian Roper came through the full 90 minutes after recently being laid low with a viral infection, whilst Joao Batista Mawete led the forward line.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Weston (Bacchus), Roper, Sansara, Nicholls, McDermott (Harris), C. Davies, Einarsson, Hanna (Quarless), Mawete. Subs not used: T. Schwarz, Cox.

WALSALL 2 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2 - 10/10/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string had to settle for a share of the spoils against Oldham Athletic in a 2-2 draw here at the Banks's Stadium.

After Troy Deeney had put an effort wide in the opening minute, David McDermott's corner found the head of Icelandic trialist, Gylfi Einarsson who powered a header just wide of the target.

The visitors were showing plenty of early endeavour and caused The Saddlers' defence problems.

They eventually got their noses in front on 13 minutes when Matty Wolfenden hit a shot on the turn on the edge of the area that flew past Bertrand Bossu.

It gave Walsall the nudge that they needed and a couple of minutes later McDermott's free-kick caused panic before being scrambled clear in front of goal.

The next chance saw Ian Roper's long free-kick headed on to Joao Batista Mawete who blazed well over.

As the half wore on, The Saddlers were seeing plenty of the ball but not able to get our game together against a sharp and lively Oldham side.

A foul on Deeney gave McDermott a free-kick in a good position, but his deliver wasn't good enough as the visitors were able to head clear.

After Netan Sansara had been booked for a foul out wide, the half came to a close with McDermott seeing an effort held by youngster Josh Ollerenshaw in The Latics' goal.

The second half started with an early break by Gary McDonald who set up Alessandra whose shot hit the side-netting.

At the other end, Manny Smith headed over from a McDermott corner before a weak header back almost let in Deeney, however Ollerenshaw was alert to the danger to clear just outside his area.

With 56 minutes on the clock, Mawete flicked on a corner as a combination of Trotman and Ollerenshaw managed to scramble the ball away from virtually on the line.

The Saddlers finally got back on level terms when Alex Nicholls drilled a low shot home from distance just past the hour-mark.

As Walsall pushed for a second, Charlton Davies played in Mawete who was denied by the 'keeper.

The visitors went back in front following an error by Roper who gave the ball away to Aaron Chalmers and he made no mistake to lash the ball beyond Bossu.

There was a change as Chris Hanna replaced Mawete before Einarsson saw yellow for a foul as The Latics looked to break through.

After Harry Harris had replaced Davies, a neat move down the left saw Nicholls combine well with Netan Sansara who delivered an inviting cross which was met by a firm header from Hanna that flew into the net to make it 2-2.

There was a late booking for McDermott for a foul of Wolfenden as he looked to make progress out wide but thankfully the resulting free-kick came to nothing as honours ended even.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, C. Davies (Harris), Smith, Roper, Mawete (Hanna), Einarsson, Deeney, McDermott, Nicholls. Subs not used: Quarless, Silver, Cox.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 WALSALL 1 - 23/10/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string recorded a hard-earned 1-0 win at a chilly Galpharm Stadium.

We started the game brightly and the first action saw Darren Wrack, back after a hamstring injury, cut inside from the right before dragging an effort wide.

Shortly afterwards Charlton Davies went close before Paul Hall saw an effort saved by the home 'keeper.

Huddersfield started to get into their stride as the first half went on and enjoyed some good possession.

A cross from Matthew Young required Manny Smith to defend well in front of his own goal before Daniel Broadbent showed good pace as he got in between The Saddlers' back-line only for his tame effort to be easily saved by Bertrand Bossu.

Paul Hall's cross on the half-hour almost caused an own goal as the resulting corner saw The Terriers break on the counter-attack with an inviting low ball into the danger zone bravely saved by Bossu at the feet of Malcher.

The game developed into something of an end-to-end affair with Joao Batista Mawete in particular going close as Alex Smithies in the home goal saved well.

Our hosts were reduced to ten men as half-time approached when Tom Jackson was dismissed for a professional foul on Hall. The resulting free-kick heaped more misery on The Terriers as Wrack found the net as the ball appeared to take a slight deflection on the way.

Mawete went close with a header on the stroke of half-time as The Saddlers went in one-goal up at the break.

After Netan Sansara had seen yellow for a robust challenge, we started to play some decent football.

However, Broadbent's pace caused more concern at the other end as he lifted the ball just over the crossbar from a good position.

With Chris Hanna on in place of Charlton Davies, Alex Nicholls was booked for failing to retreat at a free-kick.

Hanna then saw an effort hit the bar as we pushed for a second goal.

There was a further change as youth-teamer, Hassan Bacchus replaced Mawete as the game ended with Bailey seeing an effort saved by Bossu as The Saddlers held on for a good three points.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, C. Davies (Hanna), Smith, Roper, Wrack, Mawete (Bacchus), Nicholls, McDermott, Hall. Subs not used: Harris, Quarless, Skeldon.

WALSALL 0 PORT VALE 1 - 30/10/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string were denied victory by the combination of an in-form opposition goalkeeper and the woodwork as Port Vale chalked up a 1-0 win at the Banks's Stadium.

A neat move in the second minute saw Alex Nicholls find Paul Hall out wide and his cross was met by the head of Troy Deeney whose effort brought a good save from Mark Goodlad.

Manny Smith made his presence felt at a corner as Ian Roper smashed the loose ball against the crossbar from close range.

Another Hall cross flashed invitingly across the face of goal just past the quarter-hour mark as The Saddlers made a lively start.

An excellent long ball by Richard Taundry picked David McDermott who teed up Charlton Davies for a low strike that Goodlad managed to push out.

In the next attack, Netan Sansara blazed over before Taundry's cross on 28 minutes found Deeney in space right in front of goal but he disappointly directed his header straight at the grateful Goodlad.

Taundry was involved in the thick of the action again shortly aftrewards when his piledriver from distance struck the crossbar with the 'keeper rooted to the spot.

At the other end, Taundry's mistake let in Calum Willock who was denied by Bertrand Bossu as The Saddlers managed to scramble the loose ball to safety.

It was Walsall who were on top for the majority of the opening period and Goodlad once more did well to deny McDermott as we carved open the visitors' back-line.

The second half started with Roper seeing his header deflected over from a corner which came to nothing.

At the other end, Danny Glover dragged his hot wide from a good position before The Valiants took the lead just before the hour-mark when Willock's header somehow found its way underneath Bossu.

The Saddlers were awarded a penalty on 61 minutes when Sansara was felled just inside the area and Deeney stepped up to see his spot-kick kept out by Goodlad.

Walsall continued to find themselves on top as McDermott fired a low shot just wide before the same player saw a powerful strike bravely blocked by Charlie O'Loughlin.

Another fine save from Goodlad denied Nicholls following a sweeping move. Nicholls then saw another attempt kept out by the in-form 'keeper following a corner.

With Chris Hanna on in place of Harris, a last-minute strike from Ross Davidson through a crowd of players was well saved by Bossu, whilst at the other end our last chance saw Deeney find space inside the area only for Goodlad to push his shot over the crossbar.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, C. Davies, Smith, Roper, Harris (Hanna), Nicholls, Deeney, McDermott, Hall. Subs not used: R. Davies, Ryan, Silver, Skeldon.

LEICESTER CITY 4 WALSALL 3 - 12/11/2007

THE SADDLERS' reserve team came close to nicking a point at Leicester City in a game which saw us trail by four goals at one stage.

"Defensively we were poor in the first half," admitted coach, Jimmy Mullen. "We allowed ourselves to be dragged all over the place and I would have expected us to have coped much better.

"We went in at the interval 3-0 down and it really was a true reflection of the game at that stage.

"We used half-time to sort a few things out and looked much better in the second half. That said, we still found ourselves four goals down and looked a well beaten side.

"However, credit to the lads as they never gave in and kept plugging away. We pulled a goal back with 15 minutes to go when David McDermott's corner was powerfully headed home by Ian Roper who had come up from the back.

"Our second goal arrived within four minutes when some neat play on the right saw an inviting ball delivered to substitute, Alan Wilkes who made no mistake.

"With five minutes to go, Alex Nicholls found the net to make it 4-3 and in the closing stages we had a couple of opportunities to equalise which we failed to take.

"In the end we were undone by our first half performance."

WALSALL: Skeldon, C. Davies, Sansara, Taundry (Ravenhill), Smith, Roper, Nicholls, Mawete (Harris), Deeney, McDermott, Demontagnac (Wilkes). Subs not used: Bacchus, Cox.

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 2 WALSALL 3 (BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP SECOND ROUND) - 19/11/2007

THE SADDLERS made progress into the third round of the Birmingham Senior Cup following a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Sutton Coldfield Town.

Walsall hit the home side with three goals in an eight-minute spell early in the second half.

Richard Taundry, who was given his first taste of first-team action at the weekend, notched the first on the 50-minute mark before further goals followed from Troy Deeney and Charlton Davies.

WALSALL: Bossu, Doran, Sansara, C. Davies, Smith, Roper, Taundry, Mawete (Westlake), Nicholls, Deeney, McDermott. Subs not used: Woollaston, Travis, Cox.

WALSALL 5 BRADFORD CITY 2 - 27/11/2007

A YOUTHFUL Saddlers' reserve team have chalked up a 5-2 victory over Bradford City at The Lamb.

On a chilly afternoon, we started the game well and deservedly took the lead in the 27th minute when Alex Nicholls beat Jamie Waite in the visitors' goal.

Within ten minutes our advantage was doubled when David McDermott saw his shot take a deflection on its way past Waite.

It was a convincing display from Walsall in the opening period and right on the stroke of half-time, some good work on the left by youth-teamer, Hassan Bacchus saw him find Nicholls who in turn set up Troy Deeney who made no mistake.

The Saddlers were forced into a change during the interval when McDermott hobbled out of the action to be replaced by Andrew Bentley.

Bradford came out of the blocks sharply for the second half and on 50 minutes a poor back-pass put Bertrand Bossu under pressure and he conceded a penalty which was converted to reduce the arrears.

Some sloppy play gave The Bantams a second goal with ten minutes to go to make it 3-2.

Youth team striker, Dexter Ravenhill was on in place of Bacchus and he made it 4-2 with just four minutes left on the clock as he latched onto a Nicholls pass.

The fifth goal arrived right at the death when an inviting cross from Richard Taundry was headed powerfully home by Deeney. "We put in a very impressive performance in the first half," commented Youth Liaison Officer, Bill Jones immediately after the final whistle. "We lost our way a little after the break, but all in all our young lads did well and deserved to win the game."

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Bacchus (Ravenhill), C. Davies, Smith, T. Schwarz, R. Davies, Nicholls, Deeney, McDermott (Bentley), Sansara. Subs not used: Wilkes, D. Schwarz, Ryan.

STOKE CITY 0 WALSALL 2 - 5/12/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string have beaten their Stoke City counterparts by two goals to nil this afternoon.

Strikes from Alex Nicholls and Charlton Davies earned Jimmy Mullen's side a well-deserved victory. "Against very strong opposition we put in an outstanding team performance," said Mullen immediately after the final whistle. "We knew that it was going to be a big test, but we were well up for it and played well throughout.

"We deservedly took the lead in the first half when Alex Nicholls found the net following some good work by Troy Deeney.

"At half-time Eric McManus and I just told the lads to go out there and maintain their high standards in the second period and they did just that.

"Our second goal epitomised everything about the performance as Charlton Davies found the net with a stunning half-volley from all of 30 yards. It gave the experienced Russell Hoult in the home goal absolutely no chance.

"All in all we passed the ball well and were solid defensively with Bertrand Bossu only called into action on a couple of occasions.

"It was a very good afternoons work by all involved."

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, C. Davies, Smith, Roper, Hanna, Mawete, Deeney, Nicholls, Demontagnac. Subs not used: R. Davies, Ravenhill, T. Schwarz, Bacchus, Skeldon.

WOLVES 2 WALSALL 0 - 18/12/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string lost 2-0 against a vastly experienced Wolves side.

"We just couldn't get going in the first half," admitted Eric McManus. "Wolves fielded an extremely strong side and Mick McCarthy even said before the game that this could be his first-team.

"We kept them at bay until the stroke of half-time when they got their noses in front.

"We made a few changes for the second period as we introduced a few more youngsters and went on to give a better account of ourselves, creating several half-chances before they doubled their advantage on the hour-mark.

"There were numerous positives to take out of the game. Paul Boertien returned to action and got a full 90 minutes under his belt. It was a tough test for him on his return, but in typical fashion he knuckled down and did well. We were very pleased with him."

Ishmel Demontagnac was red-carded for a second bookable offence.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Boertien, Smith, Roper, Hall, Harris (Silver), Demontagnac, Nicholls, Mawete (C. Jones), Ravenhill (R. Davies). Subs not used: Wilkes, T. Schwarz.

WALSALL 1 COVENTRY CITY 1 - 09/01/2008

THE SADDLERS' second-string drew 1-1 with Coventry City in the Pontin's Holidays League.

"We made a slow start to the game and found ourselves a goal down early on," said reserve boss, Jimmy Mullen. "The start set us back and we were always chasing the game in the first half.

"Coventry were the more physical side and we felt that we could put things right during the half-time interval by changing a few things around and that proved to be the case.

"We were much more positive all over the park and matched them physically. A goalmouth scramble ended with Ian Roper firing home and once we were back on level terms, we enjoyed the majority of the possession, but just couldn't get the winner.

"Paul Boertien got another 90 minutes under his belt, playing at left-back in the first half and in midfield after the restart. It was also good to get some of the younger lads into the action.

"All in all, we were disappointing in the first half and much better in the second half."

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Boertien, C. Davies (R. Davies), Smith, Roper, Brittain (Jones), Hanna, Hall, McDermott, Ceesay (Silver). Subs not used: Ravenhill, Wilkes.

RUSHALL OLYMPIC 1 WALSALL 0 (BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP THIRD ROUND) - 16/1/2008

THE SADDLERS' went out of the Birmingham Senior Cup following a 1-0 defeat at Rushall Olympic.

"In heavy conditions we made the worst possible start," said coach, Jimmy Mullen. "We conceded a poor early goal following a defensive mix-up.

"After that, Rushall never really caused us problems, apart from a couple of half-chances. We went on to create opportunities but were unable to make the most of them and in the end it cost us dear.

"We put enough crosses into the danger zone, but it was just not to be. The positive aspect was that both Michael Dobson and Paul Boertien were able to get 90 minutes under their belts on an energy-sapping pitch, whilst there were a number of youngsters involved."

Chris Hanna was sent off in the second half for The Saddlers.

WALSALL: Skeldon, C. Davies, Sansara, Boertien, Smith, Roper, Brittain (R. Davies), Dobson, Hanna, McDermott, Ravenhill (Jones). Subs not used: Silver, Bacchus, Cox.

WALSALL 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 - 13/2/2008

GOALS from Michael Dobson and Ishmel Demontagnac earned The Saddlers' second-string a deserved 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town at a sunny Banks's Stadium.

The early action saw Dobson thread a ball through for Chris Hanna whose lob over the advancing 'keeper had the sting taken out of it which allowed the visitors to clear.

At the other end, Daniel Racchi got his head onto a deep cross to the far post from the right but was just off target.

A pacy break on the right by Malvin Kamara saw his low cross spilled by Bertrand Bossu as Manny Smith cleared the loose ball to safety.

The Saddlers were unable to hold onto the ball in the opening exchanges, however, some exciting wing play by Ishmel Demontagnac on 25 minutes saw him force a corner which ultimately came to nothing.

A fine through-ball by Harry Harris set Hanna racing away and his effort was superbly blocked by Simon Eastwood as the half ended goalless.

The second period started with Walsall taking the lead on 48 minutes when Netan Sansara fed Dobson whose shot took a wicked deflection that wrong-footed the 'keeper.

Shortly afterwards Racchi saw a drive well pushed over by Bossu, whilst Eastwood in The Terriers' goal had to be alert to deny Harris who beat the offside trap.

Just before the hour-mark a Huddersfield corner fell out to Malvin Kamara and his powerful strike was well saved by Bossu.

An attack for the visitors broke down when the referee inadvertently got in the way of the ball and this allowed The Saddlers to launch an attack of their own which ended with Demontagnac denied by Eastwood's block.

There was a change as Alassane N'Dour was replaced by Dan Schwarz before the lively Kamara went on a mazy run for the Yorkshiremen which ended with his low strike landing inches wide with Bossu beaten.

We doubled our advantage on 68 minutes when Demontagnac curled home a sweet free-kick from just outside the area.

Harris was replaced by Cameron Jones and he made an immediate impact by unsettling the visitors' defence to set up David McDermott who was crowded out.

Shortly afterwards Hanna forced the 'keeper into an error as he looked to clear just outside the area. Hanna's effort from a tight angle crept agonisingly wide.

A foul by Sansara on Kamara earned him a yellow card and the visitors a free-kick in a good position which Joe Skarz stepped up to curl home with a fine left-footed effort that gave Bossu no chance.

It set up an exciting finale as youth teamer, Dexter Ravenhill replaced Hanna.

With time running out, the hard-working Dobson found some space just outside the area and he cleverly played in Jones to his right who managed to get in a shot that required another smart block by Eastwood.

There was just time for Demontagnac to see yellow for a foul as Walsall's young team held on for victory.

WALSALL: Bossu, C. Davies, Sansara, N'Dour (D. Schwarz), Smith, T. Schwarz, Hanna (Ravenhill), Dobson, Harris (Jones), McDermott, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Bacchus, R. Davies.

WALSALL 0 LEICESTER CITY 1 - 26/2/2008

THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City as the visitors grabbed a late winner.

An inviting low ball across the face of goal by Troy Deeney on four minutes just evaded Ishmel Demontagnac at the far post.

Some battling play by Stefan Moore shortly afterwards saw him line up a shot that was blocked, whilst Demontagnac flashed a ball across the face of goal in the next attack.

A long ball out of defence by Michael Dobson, who was used in a central defensive role alongside skipper Manny Smith, saw him pick out Deeney whose intelligent ball set up Moore for a strike that was deflected wide for a corner.

The resulting flag-kick saw Deeney's shot at the far post gathered by Paul Henderson.

With quarter-of-an-hour on the clock, the experienced Barry Hayles threaded through Ryan Beswick who was alert to some defensive hesitation but prodded wide as the visitors looked to make their presence felt.

Soon afterwards former Saddlers' youngster, Matty Fryatt had a low strike saved by Bertrand Bossu.

On 17 minutes Moore delivered a ball in from the by-line but Deeney's header lacked sufficient power to trouble the 'keeper.

A foul on Demontagnac inside the penalty area gave Walsall a spot-kick on the half-hour mark. Demontagnac himself stepped up to see his effort smartly pushed out by Henderson.

In the next attack, David McDermott embarked upon a mazy run that ended with him shooting straight at the 'keeper.

At the other end, Bossu saved well from Andy King and then Gabor Bori in quick succession before Demontagnac's effort was hacked off the line ahead of Moore.

Radostin Kishishev put an inviting ball into the danger zone for the visitors that caused problems for Bossu as we scrambled clear before the final minute of the half saw Fryatt twist and turn to hit a shot that cannoned off the post and into the path of Hayles who bundled home from close range only for the goal to be disallowed for handball.

The second period started with Alassane N'Dour seeing a free-kick dip just over. Then Moore set Alex Nicholls racing away only for Henderson to deny him as he closed in on goal.

There was a good save from Bossu to deny the lively Kishishev who tried his luck from distance as Demontagnac did well to block at the far post from Fryatt. The loose ball fell into the path of Hayles whose powerful strike crashed off the crossbar and onto the roof of the net.

Some good battling by Fryatt saw his effort from a tight angle acrobatically cleared off the line by Dobson before Hayles' low drive saw Bossu get down well to push the ball around the post.

It was Leicester who were on top as the half progressed but The Saddlers were defending resolutely.

There was a booking for Kishishev as he hauled down McDermott for a free-kick in a promising position that N'Dour curled wide.

After Smith did well to win a race with Fryatt to make a timely challenge, the visitors took the lead with just two minutes left on the clock as Andy King capitalised upon our failure to clear the ball to fire home a low shot into the far corner of the net.

WALSALL: Bossu, Taundry, Sansara, N'Dour, Smith, Dobson, Nicholls, Moore, Deeney, McDermott, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Harris, Hanna, C. Davies, T. Schwarz, Gilmartin.

WALSALL 0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 3 - 4/3/2008

THE SADDLERS reserve team slipped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest at The Lamb.

With Forest turning up in their white away kit, Jimmy Mullen's side donned the red of Tamworth for this fixture.

The Pontin's Holidays League Central Division leaders got their noses in front with a long-range effort from Mark Byrne.

Matt Thornhill doubled the advantage just before the interval as he was alert to a loose ball following a Rene Gilmartin save.

Walsall went close as Troy Deeney headed over from Alex Nicholls' cross, whilst Charlton Davies missed an opportunity following some neat link-up play with Deeney.

Nicholls had a couple of efforts that were off target as Richard Taundry also tried his luck from distance before Forest snatched a third five minutes from time through substitute, Richard Tate. "We played well and the result wasn't a fair reflection of the game overall," said Eric McManus. "We had the most of the second half, but failed to take our chances and that cost us dear in the end.

"We tried to play football in difficult conditions but the final scoreline was disappointing."

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Taundry, Sansara (Bacchus), C. Davies (R. Davies), Smith, Dobson, Nicholls, Hanna (Wilkes), Deeney, McDermott, Demontagnac. Subs: T. Schwarz, Skeldon.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1 WALSALL 2 - 12/3/2008

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.

BRADFORD CITY 0 WALSALL 1 - 18/3/2008

A FIRST minute strike from Stefan Moore sealed victory for The Saddlers' second string.

Moore latched on to a long Manny Smith through-ball as the reserves recorded a 1-0 victory over their Bradford City counter-parts at the Coral Windows Stadium.

City had an appeal for a penalty turned down in the 15th minute when David Brown collided with Bertrand Bossu. To his credit, Brown tried to stay on his feet and the ball went out for a corner that came to nothing.

Demontagnac forced Bradford's Donovan Ricketts into an excellent save after 22 minutes when he kept out his 30-yard angled freekick.

As the half-time interval approached, City's Scott Phelan hit a deflected shot that sailed just over Bossu's crossbar.

Bradford created a couple of chances early on in the second period but it was The Saddlers' David McDermott who came closest to scoring. The youngster burst through The Bantams defence only to be denied by a last-gasp tackle from Liam Smith.

City thought they had snatched a late equaliser but Luke Medley's injury-time strike was ruled offside and Jimmy Mullen and Eric McManus' side held on to record a 1-0 win.

"It wasn't the best of performances but we got the win," explained Mullen. "Stefan took his goal well and it was nice to see a few of the young lads in action.

"We gave young Daryl Westlake his Pontin's Holidays League debut and to say that was his first appearance at reserve level, he was outstanding. Troy Deeney filled in at centre-back and did a job for us and Joseph Howes, Sam Adkins and William Grigg also got some minutes on the pitch, which was pleasing.

"All in all it was a decent night's work, although there is room for improvement."

WALSALL: Bertrand Bossu, Daryl Westlake, Netan Sansara, Charlton Davies, Manny Smith ©, Troy Deeney, Harry Harris (Joseph Howes 67), Alex Nicholls, Stefan Moore (William Grigg), David McDermott, Ishmel Demontagnac (Sam Adkins 76), SUBS NOT USED: Mark Lowe, Rene Gilmartin (GK).

WALSALL 3 STOKE CITY 0 - 25/3/2008

THE SADDLERS' second-string chalked up a convincing 3-0 victory over Stoke City at The Lamb.

It took Stefan Moore just seven minutes to open the scoring when he fired in at the far post after a corner caused problems for the visitors' rear-guard.

Moore then notched his second of the evening to double our advantage as he cut inside from the left before tucking the ball home beyond the despairing dive of St. Louis-Hamilton.

The third goal came courtesy of a screaming effort from distance by Charlton Davies as he received a pass from David McDermott.

It could have been four late on when Davies saw another long-range effort cannon off the crossbar.

"It was an entertaining game," said Eric McManus. "We were well in control during the opening period, but Stoke came into it a bit more after the restart.

"In the end we ran out worthy winners."

Ishmel Demontagnac picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Harry Harris.

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Taundry, Bacchus, N'Dour, Smith, T. Schwarz, C. Davies, Demontagnac (Harris), Moore, McDermott, Sansara. Subs not used: R. Davies, Craddock, Westlake, Skeldon.

PORT VALE 4 WALSALL 0 - 31/3/2008

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.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 4 WALSALL 3 - 7/4/2008

THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a last-minute defeat against West Bromwich Albion in a seven-goal thriller at The Hawthorns.

It was Walsall who took the lead through an early goal from Troy Deeney, but Albion got back on level terms and then edged in front before the half-hour mark.

Their lead didn't last long, though, as Alex Nicholls fired home to make it 2-2 at the break.

The second period began brightly for The Saddlers but we were hit on the break by the home side who regained the lead.

With time running out and both Deeney and Stefan Moore having missed good chances, Ishmel Demontagnac levelled matters.

The closing stages saw Ricky Nicholls lift the ball over the advancing Rene Gilmartin to nick it for Albion as he bagged his second goal of the evening.

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Bradley, Sansara, C. Davies, Brown, T. Schwarz, Nicholls, Deeney, Moore, McDermott, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Harris, Hanna, Westlake, Jones, Cox.

WALSALL 2 SHREWSBURY TOWN 3 - 23/4/2008

A YOUNG Saddlers' reserve team slipped to a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Shrewsbury Town as we brought the curtain down on our Pontin's Holidays League season.

The early action saw Rene Gilmartin block well in the tenth minute as Asa Hall found space inside the area. Hall then saw the rebound deflected wide as the resulting corner was fired over by David Hunt.

The Shrews took the lead on 14 minutes when former Walsall man, James Constable turned Aaron Brown to fire beyond Gilmartin from close range.

Walsall failed to seriously threaten until the 26th minute when Ishmel Demontagnac looked to burst into the area only to be felled just inside. The referee waved away the protests.

Then Netan Sansara played a neat through-ball in search of Harry Harris who was denied as Jasbir Singh in the visitors goal blocked just outside his area and the loose ball was cleared.

Some good running by Chris Hanna saw him win a corner which was only half-cleared and as David McDermott delivered the ball back into the danger zone, Brown was just off target with a towering header.

With five minutes to go until the break, McDermott whipped in another ball in search of Brown and this time he managed to find the net to level the scores.

As half-time approached, Michael Barnes found Jimmy Ryan whose effort produced an instinctive save from Gilmartin, whilst at the other end McDermott's long-range drive was easy for Singh.

The second period started with Barnes firing wide for the visitors before Demontagnac was guilty of a bad miss at the other end as he latched onto a weak back-header only to round the 'keeper and fire into the side-netting.

The next attack saw Demontagnac let fly from distance but this time his effort was clawed wide by Singh.

Youngster, Hassan Bacchus replaced skipper Wrack before The Saddlers took the lead when Demontagnac's shot somehow squirmed through the hands of the 'keeper and into the net.

It was Demontagnac's last action as he was replaced by James Travis with 15 minutes to go.

A dangerous low ball in from the left landed inches wide of Gilmartin's post before Singh made a fine double save at the other end to deny Harry Harris who took a knock and was soon replaced by Cameron Jones.

A counter-attack by The Shrews ended with Constable holding off the attentions of Tom Schwarz to fire home the equaliser and then with just minutes remaining, Hunt fired home the winner for the visitors.

WALSALL: Gilmartin, R. Davies, Sansara, C. Davies, Brown, T. Schwarz, Wrack (Bacchus), Hanna, Harris (Jones), McDermott, Demontagnac (Travis). Subs not used: Westlake, Cox.

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WALSALL 4 PORT VALE 1 - 15/8/2006

TWO GOALS apiece from Scott Dann and James Constable saw The Saddlers come from behind to beat Port Vale 4-1 in our opening Pontin's Holidays League Central Division match of the season.

The visitors took the lead on 14 minutes when a cross from the left by Jason Talbot was met by the head of Danny Glover from close range to beat trailist 'keeper, Manuel Esteves.

After Netan Sansara had seen a shot from distance saved by the visiting 'keeper, David McDermott did well to win the ball on the edge of the area before getting in a powerful strike that beat the 'keeper but cannoned off the crossbar and away to safety.

There was a definite needle in the game with the tackles flying in from both teams.

With ten minutes to go until the interval, Joe Cardle hit a powerful shot that was straight at The Saddlers' 'keeper before some strong play from James Constable saw him hold off the attentions of his marker to get in a low shot that the 'keeper spilled into the path of McDermott, whose shot under pressure wasn't powerful enough to trouble the defender on the line.

The last action of the half saw Constable once more link up with McDermott who was crowded out and unable to turn the ball home before a corner in the final minute of the half was headed well over by Scott Dann who was up from the back to make his presence felt.

It didn't Walsall long to get back onto level terms after the restart when Constable powered through only to see his effort deflected into the path of Carlos Fangueiro who was brought down as he prepared to pull the trigger. The referee awarded the penalty and Constable stepped up to tuck the ball away with ease.

The Saddlers went in front on 57 minutes when a Dann header from a corner came back to him and he made no mistake from close range.

As the half went on, Walsall were getting more and more on top, spearheaded by the lively Constable, and some good running from McDermott saw him thread a neat ball through to Fangueiro who was crowded out, but the ball found its way wide to Constable whose powerful effort took a slight deflection on its way out for a corner.

A fine corner from Graham Deakin on 68 minutes found its way over to the far post where Dann once more found space to guide his header home with much aplomb.

Peter Doran came on in place of the injured Richard Taundry with 20 minutes to go before an excellent ball in the middle of the park by Mark Bradley set Ishmel Demontagnac away down the right and his low cross was perfect for Constable who fired confidently into the back of the net.

Moments later, following another powerful effort at goal, Constable took a heavy knock that left him in obvious pain and he was stretchered from the field to be replaced by Harry Harris. Then McDermott appeared to hobble out of the action as he was replaced by youngster, Nathaniel Howell.

With The Saddlers coasting to a well-earned win, a late chance saw some good running from Demontagnac who set up a shooting chance for Fangueiro but the former Millwall man fired well over.

WALSALL: Esteves, Sansara, Taundry (Doran), Bradley, Dann, Smith, McDermott (Howell), Deakin, Constable (Harris), Demontagnac, Fangueiro. Subs not used: C. Davies, McKeown.

STOKE CITY 0 WALSALL 0 - 23/8/2006

A YOUNG Saddlers' reserve team has played out a goalless draw with a more experienced Stoke City outfit at the Britannia Stadium.

Walsall started brightly and youth teamer, Nathaniel Howell went close with a header early on following an inviting cross from David McDermott.

Carling Cup goalscoring hero, Scott Dann also threatened before the home side had Robert Garrett sent off just before half-time following a reckless challenge on McDermott.

The Potters picked up the pace after the restart and Rene Gilmartin was called upon to make a couple of smart stops before Mark Bradley and Dann were denied by the home 'keeper.

In the end honours finished even and The Saddlers battled well. "We were unlucky not to win the game in the end," said reserve team boss, Mark Kinsella. "The first half was very physical and a rather stop-start affair. The tackles were flying in but, despite the difficult, wet conditions, were tried to play.

"We came out for the second half against ten men and used the ball well, finding the extra man but we just couldn't get onto the scoresheet.

"Our young side can be pleased with the way that they performed and everyone made a contribution."

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Doran, Smith, Dann, Sansara, Demontagnac (Quarless), McDermott, Deakin, Bradley (C. Davies), Harris, Howell. Subs not used: T. Schwarz, R. Davies, McKeown.

WALSALL 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 - 29/8/2006

THE SADDLERS reserves slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City in a game which saw Tony Bedeau and Michael Dobson both come through 90 minutes.

A competitive opening 15 minutes saw both teams showing plenty of running without really testing either 'keeper.

On 22 minutes a ball into the danger zone by Peter Doran found Tony Bedeau who did well to make room for a shot which was blocked in front of goal.

The Saddlers were starting to see more of the ball as the half wore on, but Blues went close just before the half-hour when some trickery out wide by Mathew Birley saw him force a corner which was headed just over by Sone Aluko.

A food break by Oliver Allen saw him get in behind the Walsall defence only for his low shot to be clawed away by Gilmartin as Peter Doran cleared in front of Aluko as he looked to seize upon the loose ball.

With ten minutes to go until the interval, Graham Dekin set up Michael Dobson for a shot that he dragged wide before a break down the left by Blues ended with Aluko firing well over.

Blues were conceding a lot of free-kicks and one on the edge of the area saw Demontagnac go close before Aluko was denied at the other end by Gilmartin as Dobson completed the clearance.

The Saddlers took the lead on 42 minutes when David McDermott found trialist Clyde Wijnhard just inside the area and he capitalised upon a slip by a defender to coolly slot home.

The second period began with a good effort by Neil Kilkenny from distance that produced a fine save from Gilmartin who managed to get his fingertips to the ball.

With 50 minutes on the clock, James Blake was red carded for his second bookable offence before Constable did well to hold off the attentions of his marker before curling a powerful drive inches over.

Birmingham got back on level terms in the 63rd minute when Birley threaded a neat ball through to Peter Till who slid the ball past angle Gilmartin from a tight angle.

Wijnhard looked to break through on 67 minutes only to be denied by the alert Jake Meredith in the visitors' goal as The Saddlers were never really able to get into their stride in the second half.

With Netan Sansara on for Peter Doran, a teasing ball into the box by Bedeau saw Deakin line up a shot that was blocked before Bedeau provided another inviting cross moments later that found Wijnhard who was off target.

With time running out, Till looked offside as he broke away only for Gilmartin to push him wide to allow Dann to clear from in front of goal.

The visitors' pressure finally paid off when they took the lead in the 89th minute as a cross from the left found Krystian Pearce up from the back and in space to head beyond Gilmartin.

There was still time for Walsall to win a penalty in the closing stages as Constable was felled just inside the area and he picked himself up to take the spot-kick but fired well wide as Saddlers slipped to defeat.

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Doran (Sansara), Demontagnac, Dobson, Dann, Smith, McDermott, Deakin, Bedeau, Wijnhard, Constable. Subs not used: C. Davies, Quarless, Howell, McKeown.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 WALSALL1 - 5/9/2006

THE SADDLERS' reserves have slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.

It was Walsall who started the game in a positive fashion and were rewarded on eight minutes when Tony Bedeau found the net after David McDermott and then Scott Dann were both denied by the home 'keeper.

The Saddlers continued to have the upper hand as the half went on and Bedeau almost added a second before Harry Harris saw a shot pushed away by Chris Adamson in The Owls' goal on 33 minutes.

The home side managed to get back onto level terms right on the stroke of half-time when Mannie Smith was adjudged to have handled inside the penalty area and Kenny Lunt stepped up to send Rene Gilmartin the wrong way.

The second period saw the home side make their added experience tell and early on Lunt set up Marcus Tudgay to head just over before he made no mistake in the 58th minute as he got on the end of a low cross into the danger zone at the far post.

Both sides had chances after that, with Mark Kinsella going the closest as his long range drive struck the post and rebounded to safety with the 'keeper beaten.

Bedeau also went close as The Saddlers narrowly lost out.

WALSALL: Gilmartin, Doran (Taundry), Sansara, C. Davies, Dann, Smith, McDermott, Kinsella, Harris, Bedeau, Quarless (Hanna).

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 WALSALL 1 - 20/9/2006

THE SADDLERS' second string have played out a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion in a game which saw Alex Nicholls come through almost 70 minutes of action, whilst Australian defender, Allan Picken got a full 90 minutes under his belt.

There was a late change to Mark Kinsella's side as giant French goalkeeper, Bertrand Bossu was able to start in goal after spending the past few days on trial with the club.

Walsall were sluggish coming out of the blocks, giving possession away too easily as our more experienced players were unable to stamp their authority on the game.

It was no surprise when the home side took the lead just before half-time, however after the restart The Saddlers came out and upped the tempo with David McDermott and Carlos Fangueiro in particular causing problems.

We were back on level terms when McDermott linked up well with the returning Alex Nicholls who crossed invitingly for Tony Bedeau to make no mistake.

It was The Saddlers who were on top for the next 15 minutes or so, creating some good chances that unfortunately we could not convert as Nicholls and then substitute, Harry Harris squandered particularly good openings.

We also rode our luck at the back on occasions as the half wore on but Bossu wasn't seriously troubled as he made a few routine catches and the honours ended even. "We did reasonably well," said reserve team boss, Mark Kinsella, who came off in the closing stages with a slight hamstring strain. "It was a game of two halves where we didn't really get going in the first half but then looked the better side after the break.

"The Hawthorns is a big pitch and it took a lot out of us, but we kept our shape much better in the second half and everyone improved as the game went on.

"It was nice to see Alex Nicholls get 70 minutes of action under his belt as we look to build his match fitness levels up. We haven't got another reserve game for a couple of weeks, so he will go back to working hard on the training ground as he gets nearer to a first-team return.

"We were also able to give Allan Picken a full 90 minutes and one or two other players had a useful work-out."

WALSALL: Bossu, Smith, Demontagnac, Bradley, Dann, Picken, Fangueiro, Kinsella (Taundry), Nicholls (Harris), Bedeau, McDermott. Subs not used: Quarless, Doran, Gilmartin.

WALSALL 4 BARNSLEY 0 - 3/10/2006

THE SADDLERS' second-string chalked up a convincing 4-0 victory over Barnsley at a rain-soaked Bescot Stadium.

With 17 minutes on the clock, Nicholls dragged an effort wide before a neat turn and shot by Ishmel Demontagnac saw the ball fly just over.

A foul on Demontagnac in the 25th minute saw the resulting free-kick whipped dangerously into the danger zone where Mannie Smith was up from the back to make his presence felt as Kyle Letheren in the visitors' goal saved well from close range.

The Saddlers won a penalty three minutes later when Demontagnac was brought down by Scott McGrory and it was Demontagnac himself who stepped up to coolly fire home, sending the 'keeper the wrong way.

Within a minute our advantage was doubled when a sharp break out wide ended with an inviting ball that was headed firmly home by Mark Bradley to give the 'keeper no chance.

The visitors didn't offer much attacking threat, however with five minutes to go until half-time, Stefan Holt fired wide after Nathan Joynes' shot had been blocked bravely by Scott Dann.

Shortly afterwards some trickery by the lively Demontagnac saw his low ball across the face of goal agonisingly evade everyone.

The last action of the half involved Demontagnac once more as he set up Constable only for Letheren to save his effort.

Reserve team boss, Mark Kinsella was replaced at half-time by youth teamer, Charlton Davies as the second period got underway in heavy rain.

On 50 minutes, Nicholls linked up with McDermott who fired home with the aid of a deflection along the way to make it 3-0.

It was Walsall who were asking all of the questions and Nicholls latched onto a through-ball just past the hour-mark but fired wide of the target.

Demontagnac was replaced by Leon Quarless just before Nicholls saw a shot blacked as the rebound fell out to Bradley who in turn picked out Quarless in space to his left. The youngster snatched at his shot as the ball flew well over.

Moments later our fourth goal duly arrived and it went to Nicholls who cut inside before hitting a sweet low strike from outside the area that flew beyond the grasp of the 'keeper for a deserved goal.

The Saddlers ended the game well on top and late on an inviting low ball by Quarless was fired over from a good position by Nicholls.

WALSALL: Bossu, Doran, Taundry, Bradley, Dann, Smith, McDermott, Kinsella (C. Davies), Constable, Nicholls, Demontagnac (Quarless). Subs not used: Harris, Sansara, Gilmartin.

WALSALL 2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 - 10/10/2006

DARREN Wrack made his long-awaited return to action as The Saddlers' reserves chalked up a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest with James Constable staking his claim for a first-team return with both goals.

The first sight on goal came after nine minutes when Hamza Bencherif fired over the crossbar from distance.

With 16 minutes on the clock, Mark Kinsella lifted a long free-kick teasingly into the danger zone, but Scott Dann, who was up from the back, failed to get a proper connection and the ball found its way into the arms of the visiting 'keeper.

Some positive running by Alex Nicholls shortly afterwards ended with his effort blocked by the experienced Danny Cullip.

Nicholls combined well with James Constable on 20 minutes and Constable's low cross was just too far ahead of Ishmel Demontagnac as The Saddlers started to see more of the ball in attacking situations.

A couple of minutes later, Richard Taundry's cross was headed narrowly wide by Kinsella, whilst at the other end, The Saddlers' offside trap was working well to frustrate the Forest forward line which included one-time Walsall loanee, Kevin James.

With ten minutes to go until the break, Jon-Paul Pittman drilled a low shot just wide of the target for Forest before Constable went close when Taundry's ball found its way to him and he fired over.

As the half came to a close, Demontagnac picked up a loose ball and embarked upon a direct run at goal before curling a shot just over.

The last action of the half saw Kinsella's deep cross cause problems for Pedersen in the visitors' goal but no-one was on hand to capitalise as the half ended goalless.

The second period commenced with James Beaumont hitting a shot over on 48 minutes but it wasn't long before The Saddlers took the lead when Nicholls broke the offisde trap with his burst forward to set up Constable who made no mistake from close range.

Within two minutes it was 2-0 as a misunderstanding between Cullip and Pedersen was seized upon by Constable who stayed clam to fire home into an unguarded net.

Some good running by Demontagnac saw him find Constable in the next attack and he teed up Mark Bradley for an attempt that sailed over.

A fine ball by Wrack, who was making a steady return to action, set Nicholls away in the 65th minute but his eventual shot was well blocked by the 'keeper.

There was a scare with 20 minutes left on the clock when James McKeown, a late replacement in goal for Rene Gilmartin who got injured in the warm-up, came racing to the edge of his area and failed to clear his lines properly under pressure. In the end he needed an excellent block from Dann to deny Ben Fairclough.

A neat ball by James set Pittman away as Forest increased the pressure in search of a way back into the game, but as he got away from his marker, he saw his shot blocked by McKeown.

Forest finally managed to pull a goal back with a quarter-of-an-hour to go when James Beaumont placed a shot beyond the 'keeper from distance after The Saddlers failed to clear their lines.

Walsall failed to let their heads drop and Nicholls' pace took him away from his marker only to hit a shot straght at Pedersen as he closed in on goal.

Nicholls was replaced by David McDermott before a dangerous late free-kick was scrambled away by The Saddlers as we held on to our lead.

There was still time for a late change as Peter Doran replaced Demontagnac but the final whistle sounded soon afterwards to confirm a Walsall win.

WALSALL: McKeown, Taundry, Sansara, Bradley, Dann, Smith, Wrack, Kinsella, Constable, Nicholls (McDermott), Demontagnac (Doran). Subs not used: C. Davies, Wannell.

SHREWSBURY TOWN 2 WALSALL 1 - 23/10/2006

THE SADDLERS' second string have run out 2-1 winners at Shrewsbury Town in the Pontin's Holidays League in a game which saw Darren Wrack and Alex Nicholls both get 90 minutes under their belts.

With just five minutes on the clock, Wrack did well to find Nicholls who in turn set up James Constable for an effort which beat the 'keeper but rattled the crossbar.

After a combination of Scott Dann and Mannie Smith had done well to block Steve Hogg's shot, Walsall took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Mark Bradley burst through a couple of challenges before hitting a powerful effort from the edge of the area which flew home.

The home side tried to hit back shortly afterwards as Marco Adaggio capitalised upon a slip by Tony Bedeau, who was used in a right-back position, but his curling effort flew just wide of the target.

At the other end, David McDermott's probing ball forward just evaded Constable in front of goal as The Shrews' defence hesitated.

With half-time approaching, Neil Ashton hit a piledriver from distance which was just inches wide after Dann had blocked the first effort.

The equaliser arrived on the stroke of the interval when an inviting cross from the left found the head of Dale Williams who got up well to beat Bossu.

Peter Doran replaced Dann at half-time as Mark Bradley move into the heart of the back-line alongside Mannie Smith, whilst five minutes into the second period Netan Sansara came on for James Constable as Richard Money changed things around.

Bradley did well to head back to Bossu under pressure from Adaggio on the hour before Mark Kinsella hit a low drive that went just wide following some neat build-up play by The Saddlers.

We got our noses back in front when Ishmel Demontagnac was allowed to make progress out wide on the left before cutting inside from the by-line and somehow finding the net from a tight angle.

After a long-range effort from Hogg was held by Bossu, McDermott was replaced by Charlton Davies.

In the closing stages, a foul on Demontagnac presented Walsall with a free-kick in a dangerous position right on the very edge of the area. The first effort was curled narrowly wide by Kinsella but the referee ordered a retake for encroachment by the Shrewsbury wall. This time Wrack took the kick and brought a fine save from Chris Sanna as he pushed the ball out for a corner.

The last action saw Doran drill a low ball powerfully into the danger zone that just evaded Wrack at the far post.

In the end, The Saddlers ran out worthy winners.

WALSALL: Bossu, Bedeau, Demontagnac, Bradley, Dann (Doran), Smith, McDermott (C. Davies), Kinsella, Constable (Sansara), Nicholls, Wrack. Subs not used: Taundry, McKeown.

BURTON ALBION 1 WALSALL 2 (BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP THIRD ROUND), 7/11/2006

THE SADDLERS left it late to make progress into the fourth round of the Birmingham Senior Cup as we secured a 2-1 victory at Burton Albion.

The first half was played at a decent tempo with chances at either end, but the deadlock wasn't broken until the 67th minute as Ishmel Demontagnac caused problems with some skilful and direct play that ended with him crossing invitingly to the far post where James Constable was on hand to head home from close range.

We didn't hold onto the lead for long as the home side found themselves back on level terms within five minutes as Tony Bedeau, who was playing at right-back, played a back-pass to Bertrand Bossu and as the French 'keeper looked to clear long upfield, the ball struck Steve Scoffham and the rebound rather fortunately found its way into the back of the net.

The Saddlers failed to let their heads drop and continued to battle away gamely. Physio, Jon Whitney was a no-nonsense figure at left-back and he received a booking for a robust challenge, whilst Mark Bradley also saw yellow. There was also the opportunity for Darren Wrack and Alex Nicholls to get more match action under their belts.

With the game looking as though it was heading for 30 minutes of extra-time, substitute, David McDermott threaded a neat, defence-splitting ball through to Graham Deakin who made a positive run from midfield before coolly slotting home beyond the experienced Martin Taylor.

WALSALL: Bossu, Bedeau, Whitney, Deakin, Smith, Bradley, Wrack (McDermott), Kinsella, Nicholls, Constable, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Taundry, C. Davies, Sansara, McKeown.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 WALSALL 1 - 15/11/2006

THE SADDLERS' second-string slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town.

The home side came out of the blocks brightly and threatened early on when some good play down the right ended with an inviting cross to the far post that Bertrand Bossu did well to claim.

Within two minutes we came under more pressure as our back-line was carved open, but this time the ball flew across the face of goal and to safety.

Our first real effort on goal saw Mark Kinsella's long-range drive flash just wide before we fell behind as McAliskey's shot rebounded to Jamie Hand who beat Bossu with the aid of a deflection.

On 27 minutes Hand bagged his second as he volleyed home sweetly from 25 yards, but we didn't let our heads drop and managed to pull a goal back just past the half-hour mark when Darren Wrack cleverly linked up with Graham Deakin whose effort found its way past the home 'keeper.

Youngster, Troy Denney replaced Kinsella during the interval but it was Huddersfield who had the first opening of the second period only to find Bossu in good form to make the save.

There was a chance for James Constable shortly afterwards, but David Mirfin was able to get back and put in a timely challenge.

Constable then set up Deakin in the next attack, but the first-year professional, who has recently returned from a loan spell at Tamworth, was denied by Paul Rachubka.

After Bossu had made another good save, the home side went close again as another inviting ball flashed across the face of goal with no-one on hand to get the vital touch.

With the home side well in control, Bossu had to save with his legs from McAliskey before The Terriers' third goal finally arrived on 68 minutes when Hand's left-wing cross was expertly swept home by Akins.

David McDermott went close for Walsall on 81 minutes before Charlton Davies' last-minute header from close range produced a fine, point-blank save from Rachubka.

In between, Bossu made another stop as he tipped an effort wide, but in the end it wasn't to be The Saddlers' day.

WALSALL: Bossu, Bedeau, Demontagnac, Deakin, Smith, T. Schwarz, McDermott, Kinsella (Deeney), Constable (D. Schwarz), Nicholls, Wrack (C. Davies). Sub not used: McKeown.

WALSALL 3 BRADFORD CITY 1 - 28/11/2006

THE SADDLERS' second-string picked up a deserved victory over Bradford City as we ran out 3-1 winners in a game which saw both Anthony Gerrard and Craig Pead back in action, whilst Alex Nicholls pushed his claims for a place in the first-team.

After Mark Bradley put an early chance wide, Ishmel Demontagnac set up Tony Bedeau whose effort was well blocked by Ben Saynor in the visitors' goal.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Alex Nicholls' drive was pushed out by the 'keeper as Walsall enjoyed more of the ball in the opening quarter of the game.

However, it was The Bantams who edged in front shortly afterwards when Nick Smith managed to get clear of the defence before finding the back of the net with a neat finish.

At the other end, Demontagnac lifted the ball over under pressure before we were back on level terms in the 24th minute as Bedeau's positive run into the area saw him set up Nicholls who powerfully swept the ball home.

Boosted by the goal, David McDermott hit a shot on the turn that went well over as we searched for another straight away.

On the stroke of half-time, Ben Muirhead tried his luck from distance for the visitors but he was well off target as the half ended all square.

Some fine control from a long crossfield ball by McDermott saw him twist and turn to make room for a shot which Saynor did well to block from close range.

It wasn't long before The Saddlers took the lead when Nicholls made progress towards goal and his ball in search of Demontagnac rather fortunately found its intended target off a defender, but Demontagnac made no mistake as he slotted the ball home.

With Walsall well in control, Demontagnac then Nicholls both had efforts blocked before some smart play by the lively McDermott ended with him flashing a shot wide of the far post.

Canadian trailist, Geordie Lyall, who had a steady game in the right-back position, was forced off with what appeared to be a groin strain in the 73rd minute as Netan Sansara took his place. Sansara went to the left-back position which allowed Craig Pead to return to his more familar right-back role.

Soon afterwards Anthony Gerrard, who was making his comeback from an ankle injury, was replaced by youngster Andrew Bentley.

It was a full-blooded contest played at a decent tempo, with Walsall the more likely side and rarely troubled at the back during the second period.

A good effort from Bentley was saved by the 'keeper as the clock ticked down.

The third and final change saw Bedeau replaced by Troy Denney before Nicholls' cross to the far post found Demontagnac whose effort went into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Our third goal duly arrived on 84 minutes as Demontaganc set Sansara bursting away out wide on the left and his pull-back from the by-line was perfect for Nicholls who slotted home to give the 'keeper no chance.

With the game won, Denney fired well over in the final minutes as The Saddlers claimed a deserved three points.

WALSALL: Bossu, Lyall (Sansara), Pead, Bradley, Smith, Gerrard (Bentley), McDermott, Deakin, Nicholls, Bedeau (Denney), Demontagnac. Subs not used: C. Davies, McKeown.

WALSALL 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 - 6/12/2006

A LAST-gasp equaliser denied ten-man Walsall victory against Sheffield Wednesday in the Pontin's Holidays League.

An even first half saw both teams go close to opening the scoring in what was an opening period of few genuine opportunities.

Right on the stroke of half-time, young midfielder, Graham Deakin received his marching orders following a number of robust challenges.

It meant that we had to reorganise during the break but came out and started the second period brightly.

Our dominance was rewarded on 55 minutes when some good work in the middle of the park by Alex Nicholls saw him set-up substitute, Troy Denney who planted a header home.

Despite being a man down, we continued to look the better side as the game wore on, reducing the visitors to only a handful of chances.

Just as it looked as though we were going to claim maximum points, The Owls snatched a late leveller when a deep corner was met with a firm header by Graham Coughlan at the far post to give Bertrand Bossu no chance.

WALSALL: Bossu, Thompson, Sansara, Bradley, Smith, Gerrard, Lyall, Deakin, Nicholls, McDermott (Ryan), Demontagnac (Denney). Subs not used: C. Davies, Bentley, McKeown.

BARNSLEY 2 WALSALL 0 - 6/2/2007

A YOUTHFUL Saddlers' reserve team slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley in the Pontin's Holidays League.

The home side came out of the blocks quickest with Paul Hayes going close on a couple of occasions early on.

After Bertrand Bossu had done well to deny Coulson, Ishmel Demontagnac had our first chance when he latched onto a through-ball before firing over.

Barnsley got their noses in front on 40 minutes when Bossu failed to claim a Paul Heckingbottom free-kick that was delivered high into the penalty area and Coulson was on hand to find the net with a simple tap-in.

It was almost 2-0 shortly afterwards when Bossu managed to keep out Hayes' effort only for Reid to put the rebound over.

The Saddlers started the second period in purposeful fashion but The Tykes doubled their advantage with their first real attack as Coulson got the better of Peter Doran before slotting home.

Our young side continued to battle well on what was a compact pitch and trailist, Dale Tonge almost notched a goal in the closing stages when he got on the end of a Cameron Jones corner but put his effort over. "It was disappointing to lose the game as I felt that our young side gave a good account of themselves," said second-string boss, Eric McManus. "Barnsley's two goals came as a result of defensive midunderstandings and their second goal in particular came in their first attack of the second half after we had found ourselves well on top after the restart.

"The game was switched from the main Oakwell pitch because of frost, and the fact that we played on a small and tight pitch at their training ground made it a fast and furious encounter.

"It was good to see Allan Picken come through 90 minutes, whilst Dale Tonge mixed well with the lads and can be pleased with his overall performance, where his higher-level experience showed through on occasions."

WALSALL: Bertrand Bossu, Geordie Lyall, Netan Sansara, Dale Tonge, Peter Doran, Allan Picken, Chris Hanna (Cameron Jones), Charlton Davies, Troy Denney (Leon Quarless), Alex Nicholls (Harry Harris), Ishmel Demontagnac. Sub not used: Andrew Bentley.

WALSALL 2 LEEDS UNITED 2 - 13/2/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string have played out a 2-2 draw with Leeds United at The Grove.

We started the game in a positive fashion and after missing a number of early chances, deservedly took the lead when a corner was powerfully headed home by Troy Denney just before the half-hour mark.

On a rain-soaked surface, we continued to work hard as a team and attempt to play some decent football. We managed to double our advantage ten minutes into the second period when Ishmel Demontagnac hit a powerful drive that was parried by Graham Stack into the path of Tony Bedeau who made no mistake.

Our joy was short-lived as Leeds managed to pull a goal back straight away and this gave them a much-needed confidence boost.

We took off our three most experienced players, namely Darren Wrack, Bedeau and Mark Wright as youth-teamers, Charlton Davies, Leon Quarless and Peter Doran took their place respectively.

Nevertheless, chances still came our way but we were unable to convert and our visitors managed to haul themselves back on level terms with a quarter-of-an-hour to go. "I thought that we were excellent," said reserve boss, Eric McManus. "Despite the conditions I was pleased with the performance that the lads put in.

"We created plenty of chances but were unable to kill the game off and in the end we were punished as individual errors cost us two goals.

"We finished the game with a very young team, but the lads showed plenty of spirit and battling qualities which will stand them in good stead. This will be an important part of their development and all in all it was a very useful work-out for us."

WALSALL: Bossu, Lyall, Sansara, Bradley, Smith, Wright (Doran), Wrack (C. Davies), Bedeau (Quarless), Denney, Nicholls, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Harris, Gilmartin.

WALSALL 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 - 21/2/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string have slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals, West Bromwich Albion in the Pontin's Holidays League.

We started the game in a positive fashion, enjoying most of the possession without really troubling the Albion back-line too much.

It was the visitors who took the lead on 25 minutes when an inviting cross found its way to the far post where Michael Nardiello was on hand to squeeze his effort past Bertrand Bossu.

Despite falling behind, we continued to look lively and our reward eventually came eight minutes into the second period when Geordie Lyall, who moved into a midfield berth, notched his first goal for the club with a looping header as Albion failed to properly clear their lines.

Craig Shakespeare's Baggies hit back and after Bossu had produced a fine stop, they grabbed what proved to be the winner on 72 minutes through youngster, Jack Compton.

The Saddlers pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but Albion held firm to run out 2-1 winners on a damp night at The Lamb.

WALSALL: Bossu, Lyall, Taylor, Bradley, Smith, T. Schwarz, Wrack, C. Davies, Nicholls, Quarless, Demontagnac. Subs not used: Hanna, Harris, Doran, R. Davies, Gilmartin.

BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 WALSALL 2 - 26/2/2007

THE SADDLERS' second-string chalked up an impressive 2-0 victory at Birmingham City in the Pontin's Holidays League as Par Cedeqvist notched his first goal for the club.

"It was a very good all-round display," said reserve team manager, Eric McManus. "We were in control from start to finish and the only disappointing aspect of the evening was that Par Cederqvist had to go off with 20 minutes remaining after taking a bang on the knee.

"We created a lot of chances, particularly in the second half, and with a bit more composure in front of goal could have won by a bigger margin.

"The first goal came just past the half-hour when Cederqvist put in an inviting cross which saw Troy Denney challenge with the 'keeper only for the ball to evade them both and find its way to Darren Wrack, who had made an intelligent run from midfield, at the far post and he made no mistake.

"We went on to double our advantage six minutes into the second period when the busy Denney played in Cederqvist for a one-on-one with the 'keeper and he coolly finished.

"Obviously it was a blow to lose Cederqvist late on, but the fact that the likes of Wrack, Kris Taylor, Geordie Lyall, Mark Wright and Ishmel Demontagnac all got 90 minutes under their belts will do them good.

"Anthony Barness came in today and looked steady; the manager was speaking with him after the game to decide what will happen next.

"All in all it was a good nights work and a pleasing result."

WALSALL: Bossu, Barness, Taylor, Bradley, Smith, Lyall, Wrack, Cederqvist (C. Davies), Denney, Wright, Demontagnac. Subs: T. Schwarz, Quarless, Doran, Hanna.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0 WALSALL 1 - 7/3/2007

A SOLITARY Mark Bradley goal gave The Saddlers' second-string a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Pontin's Holidays League this afternoon.

The likes of Geordie Lyall, Kris Taylor, Mark Wright, Par Cederqvist and Ishmel Demontagnac all featured in an entertaining contest at The City Ground.

The first half saw chances at a premium as both sides failed to carve out any real chances of note.

On the stoke of half-time, The Saddlers did have the ball in the net but the lineman flagged for offside.

Eric McManus' side piled on the pressure in the second period and, after three consecutive corners, took the lead.

Peter Doran, who had replaced Par Cederqvist just moments earlier, delivered a superb cross for Mark Bradley, who tucked the ball away with a neat diving header. "It was a very impressive and professional all-round display," enthused boss, Eric McManus. "We c