Walsall Under-18s were back in EFL Youth Alliance - North action on Saturday afternoon when they welcomed Lincoln City Under-18s to the Birmingham County FA's Headquarters on Ray Hall Lane.The young Saddlers have enjoyed a few weeks without a competitive outing, with their most recent Alliance game taking place last month as they slipped to a 3-2 defeat to Morecambe, a result that saw them slip to their third defeat in as many Alliance games.
It was the visitors that opened the scoring when Tariro Darikwa got in behind the Walsall backline before smashing the ball into Gabriel Cutler's net midway through the first forty-five.
Seemingly heading to the break a goal behind, the Saddlers were able to draw level when Sam Oliver ensured Imps goalkeeper Isaac Shaw's clean sheet didn't last the half.
Unfortunately for the Saddlers, their visitors were able to build a commanding lead in the second-half when, with just six-minutes after the break, pressure from Darikwa saw a Walsall defender send the ball into the back of their own net.
It got worse for the youngsters when Alex McNicholas bagged a brace, although it wasn't all one-way traffic as the Saddlers were awarded a late penalty which was converted but wasn't enough to spur the team on for more as the match ended 4-2.
Another defeat for the young Saddlers, who continue to struggle for form following an initial run of positive results.
Seemingly heading to the break a goal behind, the Saddlers were able to draw level when Sam Oliver ensured Imps goalkeeper Isaac Shaw's clean sheet didn't last the half.
Unfortunately for the Saddlers, their visitors were able to build a commanding lead in the second-half when, with just six-minutes after the break, pressure from Darikwa saw a Walsall defender send the ball into the back of their own net.
It got worse for the youngsters when Alex McNicholas bagged a brace, although it wasn't all one-way traffic as the Saddlers were awarded a late penalty which was converted but wasn't enough to spur the team on for more as the match ended 4-2.
Another defeat for the young Saddlers, who continue to struggle for form following an initial run of positive results.
FULL-TIME
| WALSALL | 2-4 | LINCOLN |
| AT | RAY HALL LANE |
