Walsall 0 Barnsley 1: The Saddlers Slip to Narrow Defeat in Behind Closed Doors Clash

The Saddlers slipped to defeat in a training match on Friday afternoon.

Walsall fell to a narrow one-nil to Sky Bet League One side Barnsley in a behind-closed-doors contest at the Saddlers' Essington training ground.

Splitting the contest into three 30-minute stages, with a variety of line-upps taking to the field, the Saddlers enjoyed some early match minutes as they continue to prepare for their 2022/23 campaign.

Featuring several as-yet-unnamed trialists, Michael Flynn got his first glimpse of his twelve new arrivals as they looked to catch the eye against higher-league opposition.

Though Walsall weren't without goal-scoring opportunities; Taylor Allen almost opened the scoring following Ronan Maher's neat pass, it was the visitors who bagged the game's only goal as, fifteen minutes after Maher had fired over the bar, Devante Cole slotted the ball home from close range.

The Saddlers continued to create opportunities, Brendan Kiernan firing over the bar before Andy Williams saw two efforts go to waste, but were unable to level the scores in what must be remembered as a fitness exercise.

First 30: Evans, Bennett, White, Monthe, Allen, Kinsella, Comley, Maher, Hutchinson, Trialist, Taylor-James

Second 30: Evans (Przybek 45’), Riley, Daniels, Trialist, Menayese, Trialist, Perry, Trialist, Trialist, Kiernan, Trialist

Third 30: Przybek, Foulkes, Clarke, Menayese, Sawyers, Trialist, Trialist, Shaw, Trialist, Trialist, Williams

Main image: Barnsley FC

You can keep up to date with the latest Walsall news and views on social media. We're @BescotBanter on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and also offer updates via Google News and Reddit.

AD: Save on Men's Outerwear with an exclusive EXTRA 30% off all Luke Jackets, Coats and Gillets. Offer includes new arrivals and sale items across the collection. Use code EXTRA30 at checkout to receive 30% discount on all jackets, coats, and gilets. There is also free UK delivery on all orders over £50. Offer is valid until 11th April 2023.

🛒 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE BESCOT BANTER STORE!