PRE-SEASON: Rushall Olympic 0 Walsall 2 PRE-SEASON: Rushall Olympic 0 Walsall 2

PRE-SEASON: Rushall Olympic 0 Walsall 2

Earlier today, a Walsall Football Club XI made the short trip to Dales Lane to take on Rushall Olympic in the Saddlers' second pre-season match of the close season.
Earlier today, a Walsall Football Club XI made the short trip to Dales Lane to take on Rushall Olympic in the Saddlers' second pre-season match of the close season.

Walsall began the match with three at the back, one of those was an unnamed trialist, the Saddlers were the first to be tested as the Pics' Malachi Farquharson beat his marker and forced a good save from Liam Roberts.

The Saddlers' first real chance fell to first-year pro Levi Rowley, who was played in by Liam Kinsella, the young striker sent the ball over the bar from just outside the box.

The match was played with a competitive spirit and both sides enjoyed good spells of possession.

Rico Henry enjoyed a good amount of space down the wing, and was almost played in on goal by Levi Rowley, the 'keeper Coleman just beating him to the ball.

As we neared the break Jordan Murphy skilfully moved into space and saw a low shot parried away for a corner, good play from the young forward.

 HT: RUSHALL OLYMPIC 0 WALSALL 0

Liam Kinsella and Rico Henry were replaced at half time as Nathan Owen and Maz Kouyhar took to the field.

Jordan Murphy started off the half the same way he ended the first, by sending a powerful shot over the bar, Coleman looked comfortable.

Rushall midfielder Ethan Delaney, also a second-half substitute, was the next to attempt an effort on goal, his volley going wide of the Saddlers' post, the Pics continuing to make their presence felt.

The Pics' former Walsall apprentice Alex Reid sent a curling effort just wide of goal, very close for the midfield man.

Near the hour mark Walsall's Jordan Murphy opened the scoring, the wide attacker heading home following Maz Kouyhar's initially saved effort, unlucky for 'keeper Coleman who had done well to save the first shot.

Walsall doubled their lead later in the half, big striker Amadou Bakayoko tapping home after Nathan Owen's shot was spilled, the 'keeper unlucky once again.

As the substitution-heavy half continued, former Saddler Kris Taylor curled a free kick just wide of goal following a Matt Preston handball, once again the Pics keeping the Saddlers honest.

The match ended 2-0 to the Saddlers, after a slow start Walsall grew into the game and were in-charge by the end, a good showing by the Pics, unlucky not to notch a goal.

Walsall move on to Saturday's home clash with the now Benteke-less Aston Villa.

FT: RUSHALL OLYMPIC 0 WALSALL 2
GOALS: Murphy 58', Bakayoko 68'
ATT: - (- Walsall) REF: Mr Paul Hobday (West Midlands)
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