Saddlers seal spot-kick victory following derby draw

Image Rights Credited To Walsall FC

The Bluenoses welcomed neighbours to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park with the fixture being watched by an audience of 9752 football fans.

The spoils were shared in the first half despite the hosts dominating the majority of the half. Inside the opening ten minutes, the home sides star signing Jay Stansfield got hold of the ball inside the Saddlers penalty area and turned his man before unleashing a powerful effort towards goal that was well saved by Sam Hornby.

Both goalkeepers put on a commanding display coming off their lines to claim multiple crosses along with some last ditch saves.

With just over 5 minutes left of the half some neat passing play allowed Walsall to venture forward however this attack was soon halted by an offside flag raised against Charlie Lakin.

Half Time 0-0

Inside the opening three minutes of the second half, the Saddlers took the lead through Charlie Lakin after he found himself in space inside the box after receiving the ball from Connor Barrett before firing into the net.

The hosts did have the chance to draw level on the hour mark but Charlie Larkin was on hand to head the corner clear at the near post.

It wasn't until seven minutes from full time that the Blues were able to draw level. Tomoki was denied a debut goal with a thunderous effort that was well saved by Hornby. The resulting corner fell to Christoph Klarer who smashed the ball into the far corner from a tight angle.

Full Time 1-1

The result of the game would be decided through a penalty shootout that would be taken in front of the visiting fans. It was former Romulus FC youngster Taylor Allen who stepped up first calmly slotting home after sending the keeper the wrong way. Both teams would go on to score their first two spot kicks before both missed their third. Former Tamworth man Jamie Jellis put the visitors back in front before Jay Stansfield equalised. Reyes Clearly would be the one to score the winning penalty for the visitors after Sam Hornby denied Alfie May from 12-yards

Penalties 3-4

In his post match press conference, manager Chris Davies explained how the eight changes he had made were mostly forced due to injuries and international duty and he believed that Walsall were able to exploit the fact that his side had little match experience together with some playing their first minutes of the season.