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Honours ; West Midlands County 7-a-side Champions

The squad from which the under-11 A and B teams were picked ;

Arron Handley (Beacon); Ben Andrews, Michael Lowe, Sean Southall (Blackwood); Joshua Bullock (Christchurch); Thomas Tonks, Matthew Wilkes (County Bridge); Ryan Thompson (Delves); Jonathan Grice, Matthew Grice, Chris Hackett (Leighswood); Craig Stevens (Lindens); Matthew Bakewell (Lower Farm); Richard Cox (Manor); Rikki Tipper (Millfield); Craig Ball (Mossley); Jamie Griffiths, Dean Humpage (New Invention); Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm); Alastair Holding, David Webster (Ryders Hayes); Louis Watts (Rushall); Steven Sheehan (St. Francis); Carl McOnie, Scott Simpson (St. Giles); Liam Bowers, Adam Lindsay (St. John's); Alex Francis (St. Patrick's); Kane Billingham, Jordan Hendy (St. Thomas of Canterbury); Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood); Adam Weaver (Watling Street);

More pictures

E.S.F.A. Under-11 Inter-Association 7-a-side Competition West Midlands County Final 2001-02

Group A Results

Brierley and Dudley 0 Sutton Coldfield 0,             Walsall 1 Wolverhampton B 0, 
Brierley Hill and Dudley 2 Walsall 0,                     Sutton Coldfield 1 Wolverhampton B 2, 
Brierley Hill and Dudley 0 Wolverhampton B 0,    Sutton Coldfield 1 Walsall 3.

Group B Results

Halesowen and Stourbridge 0 South Birmingham 0,    Warley 0 Wolverhampton A 0, 
Halesowen and Stourbridge 1 Warley 1,                     South Birmingham 0 Wolverhampton A 1,
Halesowen and Stourbridge 0 Wolverhampton A 3,     South Birmingham 2 Warley 2

 Semi-finals

Walsall 2 Warley 1

Wolverhampton A 1 Brierley Hill and Dudley 0

Final

Walsall 0 Wolverhampton A 0 (Walsall won 4-2 on penalties).

ESFA Under-11 Inter-Association 7-a-side Competition – Midland Counties Finals 23.02.02

Full report from Bill Law
The Walsall under-11 district team represented the West Midlands County at the Midland Finals played at Worksop yesterday, against six other county representatives from Humberside, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and Leicestershire.

Walsall 2 Mid Leicester 0
After a nervous and goalless first half that saw Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm), David Webster (Ryders Hayes) and Dean Humpage (New Invention) create chances, Walsall finally settled into a side that was always going to be hard to beat. Humpage finally released the kind of through ball which epitomised Walsall’s approach play and Westlake drove an unstoppable shot into the near post. Webster followed with the second goal after the entire team played the ball around to complete a steady start.

Walsall 2 South Shropshire 0
Walsall completely outplayed their South Shropshire counterparts in their second fixture and ran out worthy winners. Craig Stevens (Lindens) opened their account with a brave but fair challenge for the ball with the goalkeeper after being put through by Webster. The injury he sustained forced him out of the competition and Walsall were forced to play the remaining games selecting from eight players. Craig Ball (Mossley) fired a great free kick just wide, and from a long throw in Michael Lowe (Blackwood) volleyed home to complete the victory.

Walsall 3 South Derbyshire 1
Westlake created an early chance for Webster in Walsall’s third fixture. Ryan Thompson (Delves) kept Walsall in the game with a tremendous double save as South Derbyshire forced the game. The deadlock was finally broken when Humpage hit the post and Webster fired home the rebound. Walsall then took complete control and were 2-0 up inside a minute when Westlake’s spectacular 25 yard effort was fumbled by the Derbyshire keeper. Webster increased Walsall’s lead after good determined passing play. Richard Cox (Manor) and Craig Ball kept things tight at the back, and Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes) continued to provide some telling passes in midfield. South Derbyshire pulled a goal back right on time, but Walsall topped the group following this fine win

Walsall 0 Stoke 2
The tournament was lost in this fixture, when these two unbeaten sides clashed. Walsall always chased the game and their Stoke counterparts gave a display of good passing play and quick counter attacks. Goals in each half won it for the Stoke team, and Walsall were left chasing the game 

Walsall 1 Bassetlaw 0
Humpage fired over the bar following a Michael Lowe corner and Walsall were kept in the game when Thompson saved bravely as Bassetlaw pressed. Webster scored following good approach play by Dean Humpage. Holding forced a great save from the keeper and Ball’s free kick went just wide as Walsall’s slender chances of still winning the competition remained

Walsall 0 Grimsby 1
After an early penalty set back, a free kick by Ball was pushed over by the Grimsby keeper. Holding then fired wide as Lowe squared the ball following a 4-man Walsall attack. This second defeat finally pushed Walsall into third place overall with Stoke winning all their games to finish as worthy Midlands champions

Final League Table

Jersey Festival (click here for the full reports, results and tables)

B team Manager's comments - Tim Grimsley

The Walsall B Team might have looked like ‘underdogs’ or ‘the easy game of the week’ but the B Team  were far from that and could have won all their opening games and were never out of the last game when they played the team at the top of Group A.

“To have gone to Jersey and got one or two wins and a couple of draws would have been an achievement for any B Team but to finish equal top of the group, second on goal difference only was more than we could’ve hoped for.  To top that Walsall B only conceded 2 goals in six games to give them the best defensive record in the Festival.” 

“It took four and a half games before we conceded a goal as did the A Team, and we played some quality football, the opposition didn’t know what had hit them.”

“Both Walsall teams were a credit to Walsall Schools Football, their schools, clubs and themselves both on and off the pitch.”

Other Press Reports

Halesowen and Stourbridge U-11A 1 Walsall U-11A 5 - 30.04.02
Full report from Bill Law
Walsall visited Halesowen in midweek for their last Staffordshire League game and their last game of the season.
Walsall opened brightly and started to pass the ball around creating chances in the home penalty area. It came as no surprise midway through the first half when Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm) was put clear and he weaved his way into the penalty area and his first time shot gave the keeper no chance. Walsall's build up play caused havoc and the hardworking Craig Stevens (Lindens) was rewarded minutes later after the first goal when he met Ashley Hepples's (Walsall Wood) fine cross and he slid the ball over the line for Walsall's second. Walsall's third and killer goal came when Craig Ball (Mossley) took a throw in on the half way line and as the Halesowen defenders half cleared, Ball followed in and hit an unstoppable shot past the Halesowen keeper. Halesowen briefly appeared in the game during the opening exchanges and were rewarded when a volley could not be reached by Walsall goalkeeper, Ryan Thompson (Delves). However, Thompson's long goal kicks were not being cleared and it came as no surprise when following a huge punt upfield, Dean Humpage (New Invention) got on the end to hit Walsall's fourth. As Halesowen tired, Walsall played some of their best football and used all of their substitutes. Hepples rounded off a fine individual and team performance close to the end when he hit Walsall's fifth with his "favourite right foot!" from distance.

Walsall U-11 0 Brierley Hill and Dudley U-11 1 - 23.04.02
Full report from Bill Law.
Although both sides found it hard to settle during the opening exchanges, Walsall just about edged the first half exchanges but turned round a goal down . A quick one - two on the edge of the visitors box saw Dean Humpage (New Invention) fire just wide after he had combined well with Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes). David Webster (Ryders Hayes) pulled out wide on the left flank to create more width to the attack but the visitors defence held out and Humpage, Stevens and Webster were caught offside as they failed to time their runs in on goal. Brierley Hill's goal came after 17 minutes when the referee failed to penalise a deliberate push on Thomas Tonks (County Bridge), and the forward slipped the ball to the right of the advancing Ryan Thompson (Delves). Webster then combined well with Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm) who forced the goalkeeper into a fine save after 21 minutes. In the opening exchanges of the second half, Matthew Grice (Leighswood) hit the post and Craig Stevens (Lindens) began to dominate the play down the left. Westlake then set up Louis Watts (Rushall) who snapped at his shot. Watts then broke into the box but his goal bound effort was cleared for a corner. Westlake then shot straight at the goalkeeper when put clean through as Walsall pressed for the equaliser. However it was not to be and right on time goalkeeper Ryan Thompson was forced to pull off a great save. Both Walsall team's travel to Halesowen on Tuesday night. The A team especially will hope to make it a winning farewell to manager Bill Law who takes charge of his last game.

South Birmingham U-11 3 Walsall U-11 1 - West Midlands semi-final - 16.03.02
Full report from Bill Law
Going a goal down after only two minutes, the Walsall youngsters were always chasing the game in this West Midlands semi-final played in midweek. Walsall's failure to tight mark South Birmingham's quick forward line was
further punished midway through the first half when the home side went two up when Ryan Thompson (Delves) was lobbed from twenty yards. The second half was a much closer affair with the visitors believing they could get something from the game. As Walsall's midfield pressed their patience was finally rewarded when Louis Watts (Rushall) fired home following a fine attacking move. Craig Stevens's (Lindens) equalising effort was ruled out for offside, and Walsall's hopes were finally ended three minutes from time as South Birmingham clinched their place in the County final following a neat headed goal from a corner.

Walsall U-11A 0 Shrewsbury U-11A 1 - 9.03.02
Full report from Bill Law
Walsall's hopes of retaining the Hickton Shield disappeared with this defeat against Shrewsbury in blustery conditions at Bentley. Playing against a very strong wide Walsall played some of their best football of the season during the first half as Shrewsbury chased some very slick passing play. David Webster (Ryders Hayes) missed an early chance and Walsall's midfield of Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood), Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm), Craig Stevens (Lindens) and Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes) created chance after chance. Stevens and Holding had their best games for the town team for quite a while. Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) created a clear chance for Louis Watts (Rushall) near the end of the first half, but his shot was well saved by a very competent Shrewsbury goalkeeper. With Walsall making four substitutions at the break, the constant bombardment aided by the wind failed to break down a very resilient defence, and although Hepples, Dean Humpage (New Invention), Holding and Stevens fired powerful shots straight at the keeper, the game was settled after 19 minutes when Ryan Thompson (Delves) pulled off a tremendous save only to be left helpless as the return ball in found Liam Buckley who fired home from close range as Walsall's defence failed to clear. Stevens had a late effort ruled out for offside as the Walsall youngsters pressed for the equaliser, but it was not going to be their day.

Stoke-on-Trent U-11 1 Walsall U-11 0 - 2.03.02
Full report from Bill Law
This Staffordshire Hickton Shield game was decided in the first two minutes when an attempted defensive clearance was miss-hit and Owen Robinson pounced upon uncertainty in the Walsall defence to fire home past Ryan Thompson (Delves). Thompson did keep Walsall in the game with a series of saves as the visitors always chased the game in the first half. Indeed Walsall's only clear-cut chance came after 17 minutes when a three man move involving Craig Stevens (Lindens), Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes) and Michael Lowe (Blackwood) cut the Stoke defence to pieces, but Lowe's first time volley went beyond the far post. With four changes made during the interval, the second half saw Walsall begin to believe in themselves and constantly cause panic in the home defence. However, try as they might, a goal was not forthcoming and Stoke now seem to be the team to beat in this league.

Swindon U-11A 3 Walsall U-11A 1 - 16.02.02
Full report from Bill Law
The Under 11 A team slipped to a disappointing defeat in their annual friendly fixture against their Wiltshire counterparts.
The opening exchanges were even with neither goalkeeper being really tested. Walsall then had to re-organise in defence when Chris Hackett (Leighswood) was forced out of the game following a pulled muscle. With only one substitute available, Walsall were able to call upon the services of Richard Cox (Manor), who had been selected in the B team fixture, and Cox took his chance to make a very impressive debut in the heart of the defence.
David Webster (Ryders Hayes) finally made his A team debut and cleverly linked up with strike partner Dean Humpage (New Invention), and both caused panic in the home defence. Following a succession of corners, Walsall took the lead through Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) who picked his spot and fired home into the corner after the Swindon defence failed to clear.
Swindon equalised quickly afterwards when Ryan Thompson’s (Delves) goal kick was pounced upon and the Swindon forward hit an unstoppable shot high into the net.
Swindon then came into the game in the second half with the Walsall team making far too many basic errors in their approach play, being caught offside on too many occasions.
With the visitors running out of ideas Swindon then made the game safe in the last fifteen minutes when poor defending was punished by the home side’s rampant forward line.

Walsall U-11 4 Worcestershire North U-11 1 - 19.01.02 
Full report from Bill Law
Walsall's youngsters turned in one of their best performances of the season in a match they had to win in order to qualify for the West Midlands semi-finals.
Right from the start Walsall's midfield took complete control with Craig Stevens (Lindens), Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm), Alistair Holding (Ryders Hayes) and Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood) giving their counterparts no time to settle on the ball.
Westlake opened up the Worcester defence for Stevens to test the keeper with a fierce drive and the same player then went even closer but his shot was straight at the keeper. Sean Southall (Blackwood) then made a determined run down the left and put in a tempting cross which was pushed out to Hepples who rattled the crossbar from 25 yards. Walsall's opener came after a succession of goal bound headers was not cleared and Dean Humpage (New Invention) forced the ball over after 14 minutes. Walsall upped the pace and the visiting defence was again put under pressure from well practised corners. Hepples drove just wide and then provided the diagonal ball to Craig Stevens who made no mistake with a cracking volley to give Walsall a 2-0 half time lead.
After 2 minutes of the second half Walsall killed off the match when a superb three man move involving Westlake, Holding and Humpage saw the latter net his second. Worcester pulled a goal back within a minute but Ashley Hepples crowned a magnificent performance with a volley from yet another corner to make it 4-1. Ben Andrews had time to set up a great chance for Humpage whose first time effort smashed against a post with time running out. Walsall's defence of Thomas Tonks (County Bridge),  Matthew Grice (Leighswood), Michael Lowe (Blackwood), Southall and goalkeeper Thompson all gave 100% performances.

Shrewsbury U-11A 0 Walsall U-11A 0 - 12.01.02
Full report from Bill Law
Both teams battled out a scoreless draw in what was Walsall's penultimate game in the league section of the West Midlands league.
Walsall opened the brighter and Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood) was instrumental in putting some telling balls through to Dean Humpage (New Invention) who twice went close. Alistair Holding (Ryders Hayes) set Humpage up after 9 minutes, but Humpage's shot was blocked on its way to goal. After 12 minutes a rare Shrewsbury attack saw goalkeeper Ryan Thompson (Delves) pull off a fantastic save at his far post as the Walsall back four stood watching and failed to clear their lines. The second half saw some frantic action as Walsall made some positional changes. Craig Ball's (Mossley) mistimed tackle on the edge of the penalty area went unpunished by the home side, and Walsall's only real chance of the second half saw Holding take the ball off Humpage's boot as Ben Andrews (Blackwood) forced the ball through down the left.
This result means Walsall have to win next Saturday at home to Worcestershire North to pip Shrewsbury for the runners-up spot.

Walsall U-11A 0 Wolverhampton U-11A 0 - 22.12.01

This under-11 Staffordshire Hickton Shield encounter was the usual close affair with both sides happy to settle for a draw at the end of a fierce battle on a frozen pitch. Wolverhampton threatened early on but Walsall’s Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood) saw the first worthwhile effort well saved by Wolves keeper Gurtej Bhullar (Oak Meadow). Wolves hit back in the last five minutes of the first half with Asa Wright (Oak Meadow) shooting over and Sam Morsy (Christchurch) denied by Walsall keeper Ryan Thompson (Delves). Walsall’s Craig Stevens (Lindens) saw a shot well saved in the opening minute of the second half and Wolverhampton’s Jacob Jones (Loxdale) was denied by a tremendous save by Thompson. In the dying minutes Walsall’s Adam Lindsay (St. John’s) saw his long-range effort brush the post.  

Rushcliffe U-11 1 Walsall U-11A 0 - 8.12.01
Full report from Bill Law
Minus three players at the kick-off Walsall lost 1-0 in an entertaining friendly at Rushcliffe. The opening exchanges were even and Ryan Thompson (Delves) in the Walsall goal was forced to produce a double save after 15 minutes when Rushcliffe began to force the pace. Debut boy Michael Lowe (Blackwood) made some telling tackles in defence as Rushcliffe continued to put Walsall under pressure. Dean Humpage (New Invention) went close on two occasions as the Walsall lads began to make a fight of it, Craig Stevens (Lindens) supplying the much needed through balls. However, the Rushcliffe defence held out. The second half was much the same cat and mouse affair with Louis Watts (Rushall) going close with a flicked header after Humpage and Adam Lindsay (St. John’s) had combined down the right. The deadlock was broken after a quarter of an hour when the Walsall back four allowed Tim Hopkinson all the time in the world from twenty yards to fire an unstoppable shot high over Ryan Thompson. Joshua Bullock (Christchurch) made some fine tackles late in the game to prevent the home side from increasing their slender lead. The final whistle saw the Walsall side disappointingly beaten in a game they should have won comfortably.

Walsall U-11A 4 Bristol U-11A 4 - 1.12.01
Full report from Bill Law
The Under 11's were engaged in an eight-goal thriller at Bentley in their annual challenge match. Right from the kick off the visitors were in determined mood and their passing play showed why they are regarded as one of the hardest teams to beat in the country. Bristol's efforts were rewarded on 7 minutes when Jordan Rogers capitalised on slack Walsall defensive play to put the visitors one up. Walsall responded within a minute when Dean Humpage (New Invention) fired narrowly wide, and within sixty seconds the home side rattled the Bristol crossbar. With Walsall coming into the game, a good move down the right saw Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm) and Dean Humpage combine, and it came as no surprise as Adam Lindsay (St. John's) met Humpage's clever return ball into the penalty area to equalise. Walsall's forwards then forced the game but were frustrated by Bristol's offside tactics. On 18 minutes Liam Bowers (St. John's) headed goalwards from a free kick from Sean Southall (Blackwood) but saw his effort bravely saved by the goalkeeper. A minute later a great through ball from Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) released Darryl Westlake who made no mistake to give Walsall the lead, and score his first goal for his district. Walsall should have then tied up the game as chances went begging. Bristol continued to break cleverly down both flanks and it came as no surprise as the impressive Ashley Kington levelled the scores right on half time. The visitors then took complete control of the game in the opening exchanges of the second half and went 4-2 ahead when Lee Pitman and Ashley Kington scored excellent strikes within a minute of each other, which gave Ryan Thompson (Delves) in the Walsall goal no chance. As Walsall chased what seemed to be a lost cause Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood) hit the bar with a thundering effort and with five minutes remaining Dean Humpage's persistence was finally rewarded when he fired an unstoppable shot high into the top corner. This restored Walsall's belief in themselves and right on time Westlake gave the home side a share of the spoils in what was an excellent advertisement for schoolboy football.

Telford U-11 0 Walsall U-11 3 - 24.11.01
Full report from Bill Law
Walsall's youngsters opened their defence of the Staffordshire Hickton Shield with a five star performance against a spirited Telford outfit that had beaten Shrewsbury 5-1 the previous week. As early as the third minute Walsall laid siege to the Telford goal with Louis Watts (Rushall) heading over following a corner from Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood). Telford managed to get back into the game briefly, but the back four of Adam Weaver (Watling Street), Craig Ball (Mossley), Jonathan Grice (Leighswood) and Sean Southall (Blackwood) denied any real goal scoring chances. As the Telford threat disappeared Walsall's width play down both flanks created chances for Dean Humpage (New Invention) and Watts who both fired narrowly wide. Walsall's patient play was finally rewarded on 20 minutes when Humpage crashed a spectacular goal into the roof of the net following another great through ball from Hepples. In the space of two minutes just before half time, both Watts and  Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm) had good goals disallowed for offside as the linesman claimed Walsall forwards were interfering with play. Walsall's approach play was rewarded 10 minutes into the second period when Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes) rounded off a four-man move with an unstoppable 25 yard effort low into the corner. Hepples, Westlake, Holding and Adam Lindsay (St. John’s) ran riot in midfield and three minutes from the end Humpage rounded off with his second. Telford's misery continued when Ryan Thompson's (Delves) cat like reflexes saved a penalty.

Walsall U-11A 2 Sutton Coldfield U-11A 2 - 17.11.01
Full report from Bill Law
The spoils were shared in a dull encounter at Bentley. After 10 minutes Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood)  put an inch perfect through ball to Dean Humpage (New Invention) whose first time effort had goal written all over it, but the chance went begging as it hit the post. However, the Walsall team went ahead within seconds when Alistair Holding (Ryders Hayes) repeated the through ball, and this time Humpage fired an unstoppable shot high into the corner of the net.
As Walsall expected a possible rout, Sutton took a tight grip on the game, and duly equalised two minutes later in their first real attack as the Walsall defence were guilty of disgraceful defending. Sutton increased their lead on half time and deserved their lead. The second half saw Walsall go close on several occasions. Darryl Westlake (Pheasey Park Farm) made an impressive debut in midfield and created chances down both flanks. The tireless Hepples battled throughout the half and should have been rewarded with a goal for all his determined runs and crosses from the left. Walsall's patience was finally rewarded with a minutes to go when Hepples hit the post and Louis Watts (Rushall) was on hand to force the ball home from a tight angle.
The Walsall team will have to play better than this if they wish to retain the West Midlands title that they won in style last season.

Walsall U-11 0 Wolverhampton U-11 0 (Walsall won 4-2 on penalties – West Midlands 7-a-side Final) - 10.11.01

Walsall under-11s became West Midlands 7-a-side champions after beating Wolverhampton 4-2 on penalties in the final. Last year Wolves had done the same to Walsall. In the earlier group games Walsall found Wolverhampton’s B team hard to break down and Zak Martin (Meadow View) scored Walsall’s winner against the run of play. Earlier Wolves keeper Asa Wright (Oak Meadow) pulled off two tremendous saves from Martin and Dean Humpage (New Invention) and Walsall keeper Ryan Thompson (Delves) also kept out the opposition. In the second game Brierley Hill and Dudley shocked Walsall with goals from James Brown and Liam Nicklin. Keeper Jamie Lunn denied Martin and saved a penalty to foil a Walsall fight back. In the third game goals from Humpage, Louis Watts (Rushall) and Craig Stevens (Lindens) sealed top spot and a 3-1 victory against Sutton Coldfield. In the semi-final goals from Watts and Alistair Holding (Ryders Hayes) put Walsall in control against Warley but a goal from Joe Harvey gave Walsall a nervous last three minutes. In the final Ashley Hemmings (Dovecotes) came close to giving Wolves a deserved lead and a tremendous save by Thompson denied Jacob Jones (Loxdale). Walsall woke up in extra-time and Humpage went close twice. Walsall found their shooting boots in the penalty shootout to take the title 4-2. Walsall now represent the West Midlands in the regional final after Christmas.

Walsall U-11A 3 Leeds U-11A 2 - 27.10.01
Full report from Bill Law
Walsall won a thrilling end-to-end annual challenge match against their visitors from Yorkshire.
In the 2^nd minute a free kick taken by Craig Ball (Mossley) saw Adam Lindsay (St. John’s) create a chance for Ben Andrews (Blackwood) who forced the corner. Zak Martin (Meadow View) fired just wide as the Leeds defence failed to clear their lines. Joshua Bullock (Christchurch) made timely interceptions at the heart of the Walsall defence but he was helpless to intercept a strong attack that saw Ritchie Banks fire the visitors into a 6th minute lead.
The ever-improving Dean Humpage (New Invention) caused the Leeds defence all sorts of problems down the right flank. Leeds continued to press to try and increase their lead and Louis Watts (Rushall) in the home defence continued to make some telling tackles.
After 17 minutes the Walsall youngsters were level when Martin created a chance for Lindsay whose brilliant change of direction through ball was met by Humpage who scored in the far corner.
Strong running by Craig Stevens (Lindens) in midfield and Matthew Grice (Leighswood) down the right created the chance that Martin had been waiting for and after 26 minutes Martin was tripped in the area. It was Martin himself who scored from the spot to keep the home supporters happy.
Walsall took complete control during the opening exchanges in the second half and duly increased their lead after 41 minutes when Liam Bowers’s (St. John’s) great through ball was met by Humpage who made no mistake. Walsall’s team management rang the changes and Jonathan Grice (Leighswood) came on for Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) in defence.
However in the closing exchanges it was Leeds who finished the stronger as Walsall held out until 6 minutes from the end when Luke Wallis gave the visitors hope with a close range effort.

Walsall U-11A 6 South Gloucestershire U-11A 1 - 20.10.01
Full report by Bill Law
This was the first ever meeting between the two associations and saw the home side run out easy winners. Zak Martin (Meadow View) opened Walsall's account after just two minutes when he fired home from just inside the box after clever approach play by Craig Stevens (Lindens). The South Gloucestershire forward line threatened to overrun the Walsall defence down the left flank and it came as no surprise on 9 minutes when the Walsall midfield did not break down the visitors forwards and David Brown fired a tremendous 25 yard shot which Ryan Thompson (Delves) in the Walsall goal could not get near. Walsall's policy of substituting players in friendlies was put into practice as the entire midfield was replaced during the first half. On 17 minutes Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) increased Walsall's lead with one of his specials and minutes later the hard working Dean Humpage (New Invention) was rewarded with a brilliant strike to send the home side in 3-1 ahead at the interval. Good approach play down the left by Ben Andrews (Blackwood) was rewarded when Martin beat three defenders to fire home early in the second half. Humpage followed suit when he beat three defenders to set up the chance for Martin who made no mistake. Walsall’s front two created havoc in the visitors defence and Martin rounded off a superb individual performance when he got his fourth minutes from the end latching on to a delightful through ball from Adam Lindsay (St. John’s). Walsall's back four was rarely troubled with Joshua Bullock (Christchurch) and Craig Ball (Mossley) having good games at the heart of the defence.

Halesowen and Stourbridge U-11A 0 Walsall U-11A 2 - 13.10.01
There were few chances in a tight first half between the two sides. On 12 minutes Alastair Holding (Ryders Hayes) fired across goal as the Walsall boys cleverly switched play across the pitch. Zak Martin (Meadow View) went close on 17 minutes when he narrowly fired wide after good approach work by Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood).
Martin and Dean Humpage (New Invention) constantly caused the home defence problems with strong runs down either flank.
Walsall opened their account just before half time. From a Matthew Grice (Leighswood) throw in Martin crossed to the far post where Holding fired a screamer into the top corner.
In the first minute of the second half Craig Stevens (Lindens) fired over from a throw in. Stevens and Holding combined on 6 minutes to see the ever impressive Martin go close again. Craig Ball (Mossley) won two superb tackles on 39 minutes and sent a delightful through ball that Martin dispatched into the bottom far corner. After that Walsall were never in danger and went close again on numerous occasions.
Full report from Bill Law.

Gloucester U11A 5 Walsall U11A 5 - 6.10.01
This match followed the B team's creditable 1-1 draw in the Webster shield, and turned out to be a real thriller.
Walsall opened the scoring after 3 minutes when Thomas Tonks hit a direct free kick high into the Gloucester net from 25 yards. The same player increased the lead but from greater distance two minutes later, again from a direct free kick. Tyler Weir cut the deficit with a flick in from a throw in on 17 minutes, but Tonks secured his hat trick on 22 minutes with yet another powerfully hit free kick from fully 30 yards. Jordan Doig-Davies reduced Walsall's lead on the stroke of half time when he powered in a header from a corner. This was followed by a strike from Scott Claridge to make it 3-3
The second half started in much the same way as the first half ended with Walsall scoring after a minute. Adam Weaver's great through ball saw Dean Humpage shoot past the goalkeeper. Walsall further increased their lead after 35 minutes when Adam Lindsay's fine through ball saw Zak Martin make it 5-3.
Gloucester rallied again and Walsall goalkeeper Ryan Thompson kept the visitors in the game with a string of excellent saves, often at full stretch against a strong wing. However, the home side scored two goals in a minute with Tom Stannard scoring twice. The match ended at 5-5 and was a spectacle that will have players and parents talking for a long time.
Full report from Bill Law

Wirral U11 3 Walsall U11A 2 - 29.09.01
Wirral took the lead after 7 minutes in this under-11 game as Walsall looked second best in the opening exchanges. On twelve minutes Walsall front two of Zak Martin (Meadow View) and Dean Humpage (New Invention) created the first signs of panic in the home defence with Martin being felled in the penalty area. Martin scored from the spot to level. Wirral then hit Walsall with a two-goal blast and dominated the rest of the first half. The second half was a different match with Walsall creating numerous chances. Wirral's well-drilled defence started to panic and Craig Ball’s (Mossley) free kick found the top corner but Walsall could not grab a deserved equaliser.

Walsall U-11A 4 Derby U-11A 1 - 22.09.01
The Walsall under-11 A team started well against Derby, hitting the bar in the first minute before the impressive James Kelly (Elmore Green) slotted home following an excellent left wing cross from Ben Andrews (Blackwood). Derby equalised when a long ball caught out the Walsall defence and although the shot hit the post the rebound was put away. Walsall restored the lead when Kelly chased down a defensive clearance and Zak Martin (Meadow View) ran 30 yards and rounded the keeper. Walsall had much of the play during the second period and did not allow Derby to create many chances. Louis Watts (Rushall) crowned a superb performance in midfield with two glorious strikes to leave the visitors chasing the game. Walsall's back four played well in the second half with Thomas Tonks (County Bridge) having a fine game at right back.

Walsall U-11A 3 St. Helens U-11A 1 - 8.09.01
In much improved displays the Walsall under-11 squads came back from the Liverpool defeats on an excellent surface at Bentley Leisure Pavilion. In this game Walsall’s Zak Martin (Meadow View) caused all sorts of problems for the St. Helens defence and it was no surprise when he gave Walsall a lead at half time. After the break Alastair Holding increased Walsall’s lead with a shot from outside the box. St. Helens reduced the arrears from the spot before Martin wrapped things up with another well-worked goal. The St Helens keeper denied Martin a hat trick with a good block near the end of the game.

Liverpool U-11A 6 Walsall U-11A 3 - 1.09.01
Walsall under-11s took a large squad to Liverpool and played two games against strong opposition. Walsall’s teams struggled to come to terms with the large pitches in their first experience of 11-a-side competitive football. In this game Liverpool took the lead but Zak Martin (Meadow View) equalised before the home side regained the lead before the break. Liverpool then raced into a 6-1 lead but goals from Dean Humpage (New Invention) and Ashley Hepples (Walsall Wood) from a free kick reduced the arrears.