Walsall's Development side were back in action on Tuesday evening as they travelled to Silkmore Lane to take on Brocton in the First Round of this season's Walsall Senior Cup.
Ganley; Oliver, Tonks, Butterfield, Brown, Kendrick, Shorrock, Sangha, Jackson, Peters, Hayles-Docherty
Substitutes | Dawe; Candlin, Cairns, Leak, Mason
Substitutes | Dawe; Candlin, Cairns, Leak, Mason
Development coach John Ward named a fairly young side with the exception of Canadian international Simeon Jackson, who continues to work towards a return to the first-team.
The Saddlers started the game well and were in the lead within four minutes of play as Will Shorrock was on hand to tap in at the back post. A superb start to the game for the visitors.
Sadly for the Saddlers their lead didn't last too long as Rory Oliver appeared to handle the ball in the box, gifting the Badgers a penalty. Alex Curtis stepped up and powered the ball past Brandon Ganley in the Walsall goal.
Ward's Walsall got themselves back into the lead midway through the first-half as Cameron Peters finished off a swift counter attack, slotting the ball past Adam Jenkins in the Brocton goal. Disappointing for the hosts.
Walsall continued to test their opponents for the rest of the half but the Badgers were not simply passengers and created several neat openings.
Walsall started the second-half strongly but it was the home side who would score first as they levelled via Anthony Juxon, the midfielder unleashing a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the Saddlers goal. A super strike.
Walsall would go on to break Brocton hearts late in the match as Tom Leak headed home on the stroke of injury time, he goal coming of the back of a contested corner kick. A positive result for the Saddlers, but far from an easy outing.
Walsall Senior Cup | FT
Brocton 2 Walsall 3
HT | 1-2Curtis PEN (15'), Juxon (64') // Shorrock (4'), Peters (20'), Leak (90')