My primary challenge for the away visit to Leamington was to avoid getting burnt – Objective achieved.
My secondary aim was to catch up with some Walsall Fans and see how the new team was developing.
After some enjoyable chats, and hearing some insights into the trialists and possible new signings, i got into identifying and watching the new players and the u18s.
There were plenty of youngsters on show and they acquitted themselves well.
I was surprised that Mclloyd Oben, Paul Makavore, Ronan Maher and Stan Straw weren’t involved, neither was new signing James Connolly. The latter three apparently had small issues and weren’t risked. Mclloyd Oben wasn’t there and i didn’t find out why, maybe he is training with another club ahead of a loan deal being arranged. Paul Makavore, i was told has moved to another club.
Of all the youngsters, there were a couple i hadn’t heard of before that aren’t showing yet on the u18 listings. I did have the pleasure of seeing Will Etheridge in action. He looked busy and competitive in an attacking midfield role. His buddy from the academy Archie Bunn played more central but did get a decent effort away.
It would be amiss not to mention the pitch, it was park level tbh, so not fitting for precise passing.
Sam Oliver had a good run out at CB and looked composed but similar to the whole of the backline, they were hardly tested as Walsall dominated possession. In all honesty, Walsall didn’t really create as much in the way of chances as i would have liked. I think that in part was down to the pitch and the fact Leamington were treating it as their cup final.
Leamington had some promising players, there no. 2 particularly played very well. Callum Cockrill Mullet played for them after his move from Tamworth but didn’t stand out.
Back to Walsall, Rico Brown and Eli Achui are interesting options for Right Back. Eli looked very strong in the challenge first half and Rico Browne showed some great examples of his talent. Will either make the starting line up their own? Hard to say at this stage.
Upfront, the balls through to Dallas and Pressley (first and second half) needed a better ball (could have been the pitch). Walsall went close on a few occasions first half and Andy Dallas did put the ball into the net with a neat finish but it was flagged offside.
Second half highlight was the bright running of Courtney Clarke, playing on the left and cutting inside is likely to be an exciting prospect next season. He had several chances that either brought solid saves or narrowly missed the target. He had one Norwich-like shot which would have been a suitable reward but I expect this forthcoming season could really see him come to the fore. With Ronan Maher potentially challenging for the same position, it will keep Courtney Clarke on his toes.
As for the new recruits that took the field.
Sven Sprangler looked smaller than i imagined but when everyone is 6 foot i guess they blend in. Didn’t notice anything spectacular but seemed solid enough.
Isaac Moore is going to be an interesting one for us, tough in the tackle, didn’t have chance to majorly impress in a packed midfield but his reaction to a challenge did bring one of our new features to mind. The Soho Tavern spicey moment was his reaction to the Leamington guy that fouled him, “What do you think you’re doing?” or something to that effect was his firm vocal retort.
Lewis Simper looked a good quality addition, he played on the right but i still think a more central role is likey as a CAM. I had previously compared him to Isaac Hutchinson but i think he will be far more physically competitive.
Finally, Andrew Dallas. Dallas took his non-goal well and looked bright and attentive.
Here’s my vid reaction
