Earlier today, Walsall Football Club's Under 18s travelled North to take on Preston North End Under 18s in their second Football League Youth Alliance (North West) fixture of the season.
Walsall headed into the game on the back of an opening day victory over Accrington Stanley, two goals from William Shorrock securing all three points for the young Saddlers. While opponents North End suffered a 3-1 defeat away to a highly-rated Wrexham side.
Today's match was a competitive affair with both sides enjoying good spells of possession, and creating goal scoring opportunities.
The Saddlers dealt well with PNE pressure, including clearing off their line in the early stages of the first half.
Following his brace last week, Walsall's Will Shorrock was heavily involved in the tie; He saw a good effort edge over the bar, and later forced a solid save out of the 'keeper with a powerful free-kick.
Young midfielder Brendan Pooni also forced a good save following a good spell of play from the Saddlers, his header saved by a diving 'keeper.
North End enjoyed a good spell just before the break but could only send the ball over the Saddlers bar as the two sides were level at half time.
The home side had the first meaningful effort of the second half as Earl dragged a shot wide of the Walsall goal.
Just after the hour mark Preston midfielder Melle Meulensteen hit a free kick from distance, this was easily saved by Dan Jezeph as the game continued all-square.
Walsall's Maz Kouhyar was the next player to test the opposition 'keeper, his low effort was grasped well by the alert stopper.
With the clock ticking down Walsall again had an attempt on goal, as Peters lifted the ball over the bar.
Neither side managed to open the scoring, and would both have to settle for a point on the day.
The Saddlers' next Youth Alliance game is at home to Shrewsbury Town next Saturday morning, with the game to be played at Ray Hall Lane in Great Barr.
Today's match was a competitive affair with both sides enjoying good spells of possession, and creating goal scoring opportunities.
The Saddlers dealt well with PNE pressure, including clearing off their line in the early stages of the first half.
Following his brace last week, Walsall's Will Shorrock was heavily involved in the tie; He saw a good effort edge over the bar, and later forced a solid save out of the 'keeper with a powerful free-kick.
Young midfielder Brendan Pooni also forced a good save following a good spell of play from the Saddlers, his header saved by a diving 'keeper.
North End enjoyed a good spell just before the break but could only send the ball over the Saddlers bar as the two sides were level at half time.
The home side had the first meaningful effort of the second half as Earl dragged a shot wide of the Walsall goal.
Just after the hour mark Preston midfielder Melle Meulensteen hit a free kick from distance, this was easily saved by Dan Jezeph as the game continued all-square.
Walsall's Maz Kouhyar was the next player to test the opposition 'keeper, his low effort was grasped well by the alert stopper.
With the clock ticking down Walsall again had an attempt on goal, as Peters lifted the ball over the bar.
Neither side managed to open the scoring, and would both have to settle for a point on the day.
The Saddlers' next Youth Alliance game is at home to Shrewsbury Town next Saturday morning, with the game to be played at Ray Hall Lane in Great Barr.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE YOUTH ALLIANCE (NORTH WEST) - RESULT
PRESTON NORTH END 0 WALSALL 0