Walsall Under-18s returned to action on Saturday morning as they played host to Port Vale in their latest EFL Youth Alliance - North West outing of the season.
After winning just one of their thirteen Alliance outings, the young Saddlers, who are currently managed by development phase coach Ben King following the departure of Academy Manager Miguel Llera, had it all to so if they were to return to winning ways.
WALSALL STARTING XI
Jackson; Worley, Sawyers, Simcox, Baldwin, Shaw, Cristofaro, Onabirekhanlen, Maher, Derry, Juliff
Kicking off at 11.00am at the Birmingham County FA's headquarters on Ray Hall Lane, the match was a close-run affair, with both sides looking to get the ball forward into dangerous positions.
Walsall's better opportunities saw Ronan Maher heavily involved as, in the first-half, the prospect was unlucky not to get on the end of a Callum Derry cross, and, shortly after the break, he saw a cross of his own directed just wide of goal by Jack Shaw.
The visitors were also busy and forced Saddlers stopper Tommy Jackson into action on a couple of occasions, including a whipped-in free-kick, which Tommy was well positioned to deal with as his sheet remained clean.
As time marched towards the full-time whistle, the Saddlers continued their search for a potentially match-winning goal and went close to breaking the deadlock via Antonio Cristofaro, who saw an effort drift wide of goal after doing well to create some space.
Despite both side's endeavours, there were no goals to separate the sides as they each took a share of the spoils. Although disappointed to not get one over on a rival, a welcome point nonetheless for the young Saddlers as they look to salvage something from a disappointing campaign.
FT
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WFC
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0-0
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PVFC
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AT
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Ray Hall Lane
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