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Press Reports Season 2000-01

Wolverhampton U-11 1 Walsall U-11 2 - 19.05.01
Walsall under-11s made it seven wins from seven games in the Staffordshire Hickton Shield competition and ended the season unbeaten in 31 games. Local rivals Wolverhampton made Walsall fight all the way to defend their unbeaten record but again Andrew Bentley was a rock at the centre of the defence. Walsall seemed to be heading for an easy victory when Ben Clougher’s lob crept in under the bar in the first minute, but the Wolves defence proved just as difficult to beat as Walsall’s in a first half of few chances. Wolves were denied a penalty when a handball was missed by the officials. Clougher and Alex Roofe combined well to set up a certain chance for Clougher but he was denied with a tremendous tackle from David Sellman (Wood End). Philip McKerdy (Holy Rosary) broke through the Walsall defence to score the Wolves equaliser, but within a minute Ricky Nicholls found the top corner to restore Walsall’s lead. Nicholls came close again with a free kick before Wolves missed a penalty two minutes from the end.

Walsall U-11 4 Brierley Hill and Dudley U-11 1 - 15.05.01
Walsall under-11s claimed the Staffordshire title with this victory over Brierley Hill and Dudley. The first half saw Walsall struggle to dominate the visitors despite an early Alex Roofe (Chuckery) goal. It was just as well that Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village) was in commanding form at the centre of Walsall’s defence. Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) was unlucky not to increase the lead when he fired a Kieren O’Sullivan (Manor) cross against the angle. A minute later Jack Cuthbertson equalised with a terrific shot into the roof of the net. The second half saw Ben Clougher (Lindens) go close twice for Walsall before a great ball from Ryan Edwards (Lindens) set up Roofe for his second goal. Roofe then got his head on a Cook cross only to see it cleared off the line. A Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) free kick saw Clougher challenging in the box and a defender headed into his own net. A minute later Roofe completed his hat-trick when he hit the post and fired home the rebound.

Halesowen and Stourbridge U-11 0 Walsall U-11 9 - 03.05.01
Walsall under-11s moved into top spot in the Staffordshire league with an awesome performance against Halesowen and Stourbridge. Walsall had a scare following a corner in the first minute when Simon Jepson (St. Joseph’s) nearly gave Halesowen the lead but after that it was all Walsall. Kieren O’Sullivan (Manor) set Walsall on the way with a powerful high ball into the box that Ben Clougher (Lindens) guided into the net at the far post. O’Sullivan scored the second when he got on the end of a Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) cross. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) scored the third with a shot from the edge of the box before a long throw by O’Sullivan found Cook who made no mistake with Walsall’s fourth on the stroke of half-time. Cook grabbed a second and a minute later O’Sullivan was again the provider for Clougher’s second. Danny Jarvis (Rushall), who had earlier seen a shot brilliantly saved, set up Clougher for his hat-trick. Clougher returned the favour when another O’Sullivan throw set him up for a cross that Jarvis turned into the net. Cook completed the scoring and his own hat-trick when Roofe laid the ball off to him and he hammered it into the net.

Stoke-on-Trent U-11 1 Walsall U-11 2 - 28.04.01
Walsall under-11s took a giant stride towards the Staffordshire title with this excellent victory against table-topping Stoke. Walsall are now in second place, just a point behind Stoke with three games in hand. Unbeaten Walsall had to withstand early pressure from Stoke who had only suffered a single defeat before this game. It was ten minutes before Walsall threatened the Stoke goal when Steven Dougliss (Beacon) had a shot saved. The only other chance of note in the first half was a shot from Ben Clougher (Lindens) that drifted over the bar. Ten minutes into the second half a good move saw Clougher set up Alex Roofe (Chuckery) to put Walsall in front. Within a minute Clougher saw an effort deflected the wrong side of the post. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) then sent in a perfect corner that Clougher powerfully headed into the far corner. Stoke pulled a goal back when Ryan Greene finally broke through the centre of Walsall’s defence to slot the ball home. The Clougher-Roofe combination nearly worked again when Roofe headed a Clougher cross narrowly wide.

Walsall U-11s at the Jersey Festival 2001

Walsall under-11s kept their season-long unbeaten record intact during six games at the Jersey Festival and were clearly the best team taking part in this celebration of primary school district football.

Walsall U-11 1 Redbridge U-11 0 - 8.04.01
Walsall nearly got off to a flying start in the first game when Steven Dougliss (Beacon) set up Alex Roofe (Chuckery) early on but the goal was disallowed for a tight offside decision. Roofe then saw a shot cleared off the line. Fifteen minutes into the second half Walsall finally took a deserved lead when Roofe’s first shot was blocked but he was alert enough to hammer the rebound home. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) saw a free kick well saved on the line and another long-range effort saved at the second attempt. Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) and Daniel Jarvis (Rushall) both impressed in midfield while Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) controlled things at the back.

Walsall U-11 2 Gloucester U-11 0 - 9.04.01
The first twenty minutes of this second game saw Walsall have most of the attacking play but Gloucester gave them few scoring chances until Kieren O’ Sullivan (Manor) saw a shot brilliantly turned round the post. A minute before half time a curling Nicholls corner caused panic in the Gloucester defence and the ball went straight into the net. Gloucester had a brief period of pressure at the start of the second half. Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) blocked a shot and Edward Forsythe (Manor) cleared. Walsall still looked the most likely to score another goal and Dougliss headed home a Nicholls corner to seal victory.

Walsall U-11 5 Orpington U-11 0 - 10.04.01
Walsall destroyed Orpington with a devastating first half performance when playing with a strong behind them. Orpington had won the first two games 4-1 and 3-1 but found themselves 5-0 down by half time. Orpington held out for the first ten minutes during which time Ben Clougher (Lindens) twice went close. Then a Nicholls corner was headed home by Roofe at the far post. A rampant Walsall then added four more in ten minutes. Dougliss found the net with a powerful shot from well outside the box and Roofe grabbed his second with another header. Clougher set up Roofe for his hat-trick and Roofe then returned the favour for Clougher to score Walsall’s fifth. The second half saw Walsall facing the wind but with Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village) in commanding form at the back Orpington never looked like scoring.

Walsall U-11 3 Luton U-11 2 - 11.04.01
Walsall had the worst possible start against a Luton side that was coming into this game with defeats in the previous two games. A harsh handball decision resulted in Luton taking the lead from the spot. Walsall were rocking at this stage and Luton nearly increased the lead before Roofe came to Walsall’s rescue with a fine individual goal. Walsall then threatened to overwhelm Luton as Nicholls saw a long-range effort just miss the far corner and Ryan Edwards (Lindens) was unlucky with a similar effort. Roofe gave Walsall a half time lead when he latched onto a poor clearance. Roofe completed his second hat-trick when his blistering run left the Luton defence trailing in his wake. Nicholls then saw his free kick brilliantly tipped over by the Luton keeper before Luton grabbed a goal in the final minute when poor defending on a corner left keeper Ben Nelson (Walsall Wood) with no chance 

Walsall U-11 3 Jersey U-11 0 - 12.04.01
With Walsall already certain of top spot in their group a tough-tackling Jersey side gave them a stern test of character in a poor first half. Nicholls came closest to scoring in the final minute of the half with another long-range effort that sailed inches over the bar. The second period saw early pressure from Jersey with Walsall keeper Lutwyche on the alert to save a free kick. Roofe finally broke through for Walsall when Nicholls fed him in the box. Minutes later Roofe completed his brace, scoring his ninth goal of the tournament. Liam Cowley then completed a spell of three goals in three minutes with his first ever goal for Walsall. Roofe just failed to complete a third successive hat-trick before Clougher headed over from a cross by the outstanding Edwards. Walsall’s Jake Lacey (New Invention) and Sam Stanton (Bloxwich) led the way with performances of grit and determination against a tough side. 

Walsall U-11 0 Hackney U-11 0 - 13.04.01
Walsall and Hackney contested the play-off between the two top teams in each group. Walsall always looked the most likely to break the deadlock. Roofe latched onto a fumble by the Hackney keeper and his shot across goal went agonisingly wide. Edwards continued his outstanding form from the previous game and put Roofe clear but he was well blocked by the keeper. When Hackney threatened they found Jordan Marsh (Blackwood) underlining his status as one of Walsall’s players of tournament. Edwards was inches away from a Cowley cross early in the second half as a Walsall side slightly less weary than Hackney began to threaten to open the floodgates. In a frantic last ten minutes it was one-way traffic as Walsall piled on the pressure. Two good penalty appeals were turned down before Edwards hit the bar with a header from a corner in the final minute. The same player saw another header grabbed above his head by the keeper as the whistle blew.

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Walsall U-11 2 Nuneaton U-11 0 (West Midlands Final 2nd leg; Walsall win 3-1 on aggregate) - 31.03.01
Walsall under-11s produced a fighting performance against a determined Nuneaton side to claim the West Midlands title at Aldridge Cricket and Hockey club. Nuneaton put Walsall under pressure in the early stages but Edward Forsythe (Manor) showed the way with some determined tackling at the back for Walsall. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) had a golden opportunity for Walsall but he steered his shot just wide. Minutes later Steven Dougliss (Beacon) set up Roofe for a clear run on goal and the keeper brought him down to concede a penalty. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) made no mistake from the spot. Nuneaton’s Antonio Williams briefly threatened the Walsall lead with a hopeful lob that was safely gathered by Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View). On the stroke of half-time Roofe led an attack that caused panic in the Nuneaton defence, the ball came out to Ben Clougher (Lindens) who hammered the ball into the roof of the net. The second half saw Nuneaton kicking down the slope but they were unable to seriously threaten Walsall’s defence.

Nuneaton U-11 1 Walsall U-11 1 (West Midlands Final 1^st leg) - 24.03.01
Nuneaton under-11s are making a stern defence of their West Midlands title as they gave Walsall another difficult game in this first leg of the West Midlands final. Ben Clougher (Lindens) gave Walsall the best possible start when he chipped the keeper after four minutes and was denied minutes later by a last ditch tackle. Walsall were on top for most of the first half on a heavy pitch but keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) had to be alert to keep out a close range effort. Skipper Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) saw his fierce effort shave the bar as Walsall were restricted to the single goal at the break. Nuneaton had the advantage of kicking down the slope in the second half but another great tackle by Nuneaton’s Tom Moore once more denied Clougher a scoring opportunity. Nuneaton piled on the pressure and Lutwyche again came to Walsall’s rescue before Alex Naughton weaved his way past the Walsall defence to slot home the equaliser.

Walsall U-11 2 Halesowen and Stourbridge U-11 0 (West Midlands County SFA Semi-final) - 10.03.01
Walsall under-11s reached the West Midlands final with another hard working performance. The visitors decided early on that their best hope was to defend in depth and they certainly made it hard for Walsall to create any clear chances. With Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) in commanding form at the centre of Walsall’s defence, keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) was a spectator for most of the game. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) threatened to put Walsall in front in the first minute but twenty minutes later he was tripped as he shot and saw the ball helped over the line as a defender attempted to clear it. Walsall were well on top kicking downhill in the second half and Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) came close twice before Kieren O’ Sullivan (Manor) found the net with a tremendous shot a minute after coming on as substitute.

Walsall U-11 0 Nuneaton U-11 0 - 24.02.01
With Walsall under-11s already through to the West Midlands semi-final this final game in the league section confirmed Nuneaton’s runners-up spot and at the same time they became the first side to hold Walsall in a competition game this season. A poor first half saw Walsall struggling to impose themselves on a determined Nuneaton side and it was only in the final minute of the half when a shot from Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) went narrowly over. Seconds later Ben Clougher (Lindens) blazed over from close range. Nuneaton threatened early in the second half with an effort that was inches wide. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) had a rare run at goal for Walsall but his shot was well gathered by the keeper. Keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) came to Walsall’s rescue with a good save following a Nuneaton corner and Edward Forsythe (Manor) prevented a clear scoring chance for Nuneaton with a last ditch tackle in the final minute.

Bradford U-11A 1 Walsall U-11A 1 -17.02.01
Walsall under-11s travelled to Bradford for a first meeting between these two associations at this age level. Walsall took the lead when Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph's) scored from a free kick. Walsall had chances to increase the lead notably when Simon Pope (Short Heath) saw his shot well gathered by the Bradford keeper. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) was unlucky when his shot went inches wide. Bradford fought back hard but the Walsall defence held firm until ten minutes from the end when the Bradford pressure finally got its reward with an equaliser.

Bristol U-11A 0 Walsall U-11A 3 - 10.02.01
The Walsall under-11A team started well in this friendly at Bristol when Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) found Alex Roofe (Chuckery) who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. With centre backs Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) and Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village) giving little away Walsall’s goal was rarely troubled. Roofe increased the lead near half time when he chased a through ball from Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) and squeezed the ball past the advancing keeper despite some heavy challenges. The ever-dangerous Roofe completed a splendid hat-trick midway through the second half when he broke free and lobbed the ball over the keeper.

Rushcliffe U-11A 1 Walsall U-11A 3 - 3.02.01
The under-11 A side still remain unbeaten after this impressive victory over a hard working Rushcliffe outfit who had only conceded one goal prior to this game. Good attacking play down the left flank by Kieran O’Sullivan (Manor) paved the way for a volley from Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) after 7 minutes. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) increased the lead three minutes later when set up by Ashley Lawrence (New Invention). Nicholls scored the third direct from a free kick minutes later. Lawrence worked tirelessly in midfield to provide Walsall’s front three of Alex Roofe (Chuckery), Ben Clougher (Lindens) and Cook with many chances during the second period. Rushcliffe’s goal came late in the game.

Walsall U-11A 1 Shrewsbury U-11A 0 - 27.01.01
The under-11 A side made it three wins out of three in the Staffordshire league in a tight game against Shrewsbury. The first half produced few chances for either side as Walsall struggled to string passes together on a difficult pitch. Walsall began the second half strongly and Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) saw a shot cleared off the line. The Walsall pressure paid off minutes later when the Shrewsbury defence had difficulty clearing a Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) corner and Steven Dougliss (Beacon) hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. Cook then saw his free kick parried by the keeper and Alex Roofe (Chuckery) just failed to convert the rebound. Shrewsbury fought back but Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) was ever alert and Jordan Marsh (Blackwood) excelled at the back.

Worcestershire North U-11 0 Walsall U-11 1 - 13.01.01
The under-11s confirmed their West Midlands semi-final spot by securing top place in their league section with this hard fought win against newcomers Worcestershire North. Some uncompromising tackling gave the Walsall side its toughest test yet against local opposition. Top scorer Alex Roofe (Chuckery) scored the vital goal midway through the first half and Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) was outstanding in midfield. The Walsall defence withstood tremendous pressure near the end as the home side battled to become the first side to take points off Walsall. Keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) preserved Walsall’s record with a brilliant save near the end.

Walsall U-11 5 Warley U-11 0 - 6.01.01
Walsall under-11s made it three wins out of three in the West Midlands league with another impressive performance against Warley. As in the Staffordshire league game between these two sides before Christmas, the first half was an even affair with Walsall scoring a single goal. The goal came when skipper Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) curled a fine effort past Warley keeper Phillip Harrington (St. Hubert’s). Walsall were well on top in the second half. The Walsall defence was rarely troubled and was marshalled superbly by man of the match Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village). Steven Dougliss (Beacon) capped a fine performance when he scored the second goal. Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) hit an unstoppable shot for the third goal after good approach play from Ryan Edwards (Lindens). Alex Roofe (Chuckery) beat four defenders to score a deserved fourth and Ben Clougher (Lindens) grabbed the fifth with the last kick of the game.

Walsall U-11A 6 Warley U-11 1 - 16.12.00
The Walsall under-11 A side ran out convincing winners of this Staffordshire league game but Warley ran them close in the first half. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) and Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) both missed good chances for Walsall in the opening minutes before Warley took a shock lead. The Walsall defence failed to clear a free kick and the ball was turned into the net. Walsall hit back inside a minute when a Nicholls free kick hit the post and Steven Dougliss (Beacon) fired home the rebound. Roofe put Walsall in front   before the break with a solo run from the centre of the field. Ben Clougher (Lindens) capitalised on a fumble by the Warley keeper to increase Walsall’s lead. Roofe fired home a Ryan Edwards (Lindens) cross for the fourth and then completed his hat trick from a Nicholls corner. Nicholls got a well-deserved goal to complete the scoring.

Walsall U-11A 5 West Bromwich U-11A 0 - 2.12.00
Skipper Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) grabbed a hat trick as the Walsall under-11 A squad had another good win in the West Midlands competition. Nicholls struck twice in the first four minutes in a nightmare start for West Bromwich keeper Matthew Osborne (Grove Vale). The visitors came back into the game but man of the match Jordan Marsh (Blackwood) controlled things for Walsall. Nicholls completed his hat trick five minutes into the second half. Osborne then showed some class with three top class saves from Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan), Ben Clougher (Lindens) and Nicholls. Clougher hit an unstoppable fourth for Walsall and Osborne could only parry a fierce Nicholls shot and Alex Roofe (Chuckery) was on hand to score Walsall’s fifth.

Newcastle-under-Lyme U-11 0 Walsall U-11 4 - 25.11.00
The under-11 side began its Staffordshire league campaign in fine style with a stunning performance. Already recognised as a fine passing side, they proved they could still play good football in far from ideal conditions. Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village) set up two first half goals for man of the match Alex Roofe (Chuckery) as the home side were run ragged. Roofe turned provider for Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) to score Walsall’s third goal. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) rounded off a good performance when he scored the fourth goal.

ESFA adidas Predator Premier Cup u-11 7-a-side - West Midlands County Final - 11.11.00

Wolverhampton U-11 0 Walsall U-11 0 a.e.t. (Wolverhampton won 4-2 on penalties)
Walsall and Wolverhampton battled it out in the under-11 7-a-side county final having won through from three group games and a semi-final. Walsall missed a succession of chances in a tense final with Ben Clougher (Lindens) and Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) both going close in the first period. Wolves almost stole the lead after the break but Angelo Franco (St. Anthony’s) was denied by a good block from Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View). Extra-time failed to produce a ‘golden goal’ as Wolves keeper Robbie Beckett (St. Thomas) made good saves from Alex Roofe (Chuckery) and Steven Dougliss (Beacon). Nicholls also went close with a long-range effort. Wolves won the penalty shoot-out 4-2 and now represent the West Midlands in the regional final at Worksop in February.

In the group games Walsall drew 0-0 with Sutton Coldfield thanks to the brilliance of Sutton keeper Mitch Cooney (Boldmere) and Clougher hitting a post. Nicholls set up Roofe for the only goal scored by Walsall in the group games against Halesowen and Stourbridge. Keeper Lutwyche helped Walsall hold onto the points with a fine save in the last seconds. The final group game against Brierley Hill and Dudley ended 0-0 with the draw good enough to see both sides qualify for the semi-finals with Walsall having to settle for 2^nd place in the group. Walsall at last had some luck in front of goal in the semi-final against a three wins out of three Warley side (including a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton). Goals from Dougliss and Roofe saw Walsall through to the final in impressive style.

Walsall U-11A 3 Leeds U-11A 3 - 28.10.00
The under-11 A  side came close to beating Leeds as well in what was a memorable game. Fielding a side with 5 regulars missing, Walsall refused to give in after Leeds took the lead just before the end of a tight first half. Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) struck the equaliser with a 25 yard free kick which found the top of the net just after the break. Leeds regained the lead following a defensive mix up after a corner. Nicholls put Walsall back on terms from the penalty spot after Alex Roofe (Chuckery) had had his shirt pulled. Roofe capped another first rate performance when he scored what looked like being the winning goal when his shot was well saved and he expertly put away the rebound. Deep into injury time Leeds forced a draw with another goal coming from a corner.

Walsall U-11A 4 Sutton Coldfield U-11A 1 - 21.10.00
Walsall’s Matthew Cook (Whetstone Field) had a taste of what was to come when he saw a shot turned brilliantly round the post by the Sutton keeper in this under-11 A friendly game. Ben Clougher (Lindens) continued his good goalscoring run when Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) put him clear for Walsall’s opener. Clougher then saw an attempted chip sail just over before Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) came to the rescue with a good block. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) and Clougher were both denied by good saves and Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) saw a goalbound shot deflected by his own player and brilliantly saved before a Nicholls shot hit the post and went in for Walsall’s second. Within a minute Sutton had brief hope when a cross was turned into the net. Then Clougher got on the end of a great cross by Roofe,  but his header hit the foot of the post. Matthew Cook set up Clougher for Walsall’s third and Steven Dougliss (Beacon) rounded things off with a last minute goal

Walsall U-11A 7 Kings Norton U-11 1 - 14.10.00
The unbeaten Walsall under-11A side proved too strong for Kings Norton in this opening West Midlands game. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) caused problems for the Kings Norton defence and claimed a hat-trick. Roofe set Walsall on the way when his challenge in the box saw the ball turned into the net. Kings Norton lost their keeper but the substitute keeper had no chance with any of the goals. Roofe saw another shot deflected into the net for Walsall’s second before he saw another shot turned round the post. Steven Dougliss (Beacon) claimed the third Walsall goal with a fierce shot that again deflected off a defender. Danny Spinks (Mossley) got on the end of a Ben Clougher (Lindens) cross for the fourth before Dean Lea (Ley Hill) pulled a goal back for the visitors. A Roofe cross was turned into the net by a defender for Walsall’s fifth. Callum Williamson (Meadow View) saw his shot headed off the line before Dougliss set up Clougher for Walsall’s sixth. There was no dispute about a possible own goal as Roofe completed the scoring to claim the man of the match award.

Walsall U-11A 5 Gloucester U-11A 1 - 7.10.00
Gloucester took the lead after five minutes of this under-11 A game when Jack Overthrow found the roof of the net with a fierce shot. In a tight first half Walsall’s Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) found Alex Roofe (Chuckery) who made no mistake to score the equaliser. Walsall keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) saved a penalty and then made a brilliant block at the feet of a Gloucester forward. Walsall came out after the break determined to dominate the visitors and Steven Dougliss (Beacon) saw his goalbound shot brilliantly turned round the post. Jordan Marsh (Blackwood) then had a goal disallowed because of a player caught offside. The impressive Richard Davies saw a shot turned round the post before he gave Walsall the lead midway through the second half with an unstoppable shot. A ball from Dougliss set up Callum Williamson (Meadow View) for Walsall’s third a minute later. Ben Clougher (Lindens) continued his goalscoring run since giving up the keeper’s gloves with two goals in two minutes.

Kirkby U-11A 2 Walsall U-11A 2 - 30.09.00
With no less than ten squad players missing through injuries two very much depleted under-11 squads travelled to Nottinghamshire. The A team's cause was worsened after only 7 minutes when Alex Roofe (Chuckery), who had made a bright start, was forced to come off with a knee injury. Ben Clougher (Lindens) made his debut up front having switched from keeper and blazed a shot high over  the bar. Clougher made up for his miss 4 minutes later when a superb through ball from Callum Williamson (Meadow View) gave him the chance to find the top corner with a clinical finish. The young Walsall team seemed to find belief in their passing play with Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) and Danny Spinks (Mossley), making his first A team appearance, working tirelessly in midfield. Kirkby equalised when Jake Williams (St. Philip Neri) went unchallenged to score past keeper Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View). Kirkby went in front just before half time when Gareth Hayes (Annie Holgate) netted following a corner. The second half was a close affair but Walsall got a deserved equaliser when man of the match Clougher scored his second goal with eight minutes left. Edward Forsythe (Manor) was outstanding in the heart of the Walsall defence alongside the ever dependable Andrew Bentley (Pelsall Village).

Derby U-11A 1 Walsall U-11A 1 - 23.09.00
The A team game was a much tighter affair and Walsall went behind early on when Shaun Roberts met a corner kick and fired home unchallenged. Derby always looked dangerous on the break but failed to take further advantage before the break. Walsall were a different side in the second half and equalised within minutes when a glorious through ball from the tireless Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) found Alex Roofe (Chuckery) on the edge of the box, who drilled the ball past the keeper. Roofe began to create chances for his fellow forwards and with 5 minutes left he created a chance for Steven Dougliss (Beacon), whose goal bound effort was brilliantly saved. Jordan Marsh (Blackwood) made his debut and had a fine game in defence, whilst Walsall’s man of the match Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) held things together on the left flank.

St. Helens U-11A 1 Walsall U-11A 2 - 9.09.00
Walsall’s under-11 A team went behind after 4 minutes against St. Helens when Daniel Lewis scored direct from a corner, the ball crossing the line before Walsall keeper Ben Clougher (Lindens) got his hands on it. Walsall hit back ten minutes later when Kieran O’Sullivan (Manor) equalised with a fine shot which found the top of the net. Walsall went ahead before the break when Steven Dougliss (Beacon) escaped his marker and drilled the ball past the keeper. Philip Lutwyche (Meadow View) took over in goal for Walsall in the second half and made several vital saves. Alex Roofe (Chuckery) came close to increasing Walsall’s lead with a bullet header and Ricky Nicholls (St. Joseph’s) and man of the match Richard Davies (Pool Hayes) worked tirelessly in midfield.

Walsall U-11A 1 Liverpool U-11A 1 - 2.09.00
Walsall under-11’s opened their season with two games against Liverpool. The A team fixture at Jane Lane School was a very competitive and close game. Both sides created good chances in the first half without finding the net. Walsall keeper Ben Clougher (Lindens) was on the alert and kept the home side in the hunt. Walsall forwards Alex Roofe (Chuckery) and Ashley Lawrence (New Invention) caused constant panic in the Liverpool defence. Walsall took the lead in the second half when attacking play down the left involving Liam Cowley (Cooper and Jordan) and Daniel Jarvis (Rushall) ended with Jarvis hitting the bar and Roofe scored from close range. Liverpool fought back and were rewarded when Stephen Backhouse scored from a late penalty. Overall, an encouraging start to a busy season for Walsall.

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