Here's a report from Walsall FC on today's friendly against Hereford:
Walsall continued their preparations for the new season with a comprehensive victory over National League North Side Hereford in a behind closed doors friendly.
Aaron Pressley opened the scoring in the first half before Josh Gordon and Charlie Lakin added further goals in the second period as the Saddlers cruised to victory.
Mat Sadler's men took the lead with the first attack of the match in the opening exchanges as Mason Hancock’s ball was met by Pressley who touched it goalwards and despite the goalkeeper getting a touch, the ball found the net via the post.
Walsall dominated in the first half with Albert Adomah & Ronan Maher having a couple of opportunities apiece.
The Saddlers came very close to a second when Jamie Jellis’ curled effort bounced off the post.
Hancock had a great opportunity late in the first half when Maher found him with a lovely through ball but the keeper smothered his effort.
The Saddlers had the ball in the net when Pressley met Hancock’s right footed ball but the goal was ruled out for offside before the half time whistle blew.
Walsall completely changed the XI for the second half.
The visitors had a chance in the 46th minute when former Saddler Andy Williams arrowed in a shot but he blazed his effort wide.
Walsall’s first chance of the second half came on 51 minutes when Evan Weir rolled the ball across the box to Courtney Clarke whose powerful strike fizzed narrowly wide.
The Saddlers got the second they deserved when Clarke slid the ball down the channel to Gordon who gloriously lobbed the goalkeeper from 25 yards out with a beautiful strike.
Myles Roberts was called into action around the hour mark when he made an outstanding save to turn a header onto the post that looked destined for the bottom corner.
Down the other end, Jamille Matt latched on to a poor back pass and found himself in on goal but he rolled the ball wide.
Gordon went in search of his second as he cut in from the left and fired in a shot from outside the box but it flew over.
The Saddlers continued to look for a third when Trialist played in Charlie Lakin whose effort was saved by the keeper and Matt followed up but again, the Hereford stopper reacted well.
Walsall were awarded a late penalty when Vincent Harper was tripped in the box. Lakin stepped up and found the bottom corner to round off a good afternoon’s work.