Walsall make Worcester Suffo-er

Another new face turned out in Walsall’s forward line and impressed with a well taken brace and almost completed a Hat trick when a chip over the advancing keeper went wide…..the name of this 30 year old striker….Patrick Suffo.

In the game itself the game was as comfortable as the 4-0 scoreline suggested, with Jimmy once again playing two teams one in the first half with a complete change at half time (except for Marco Reich who was given until the 63rd minute). Whilst pleasing it is wrong to get carried away with a win over a team some three levels below us. One worrying aspect was the absence of Taundry, Weston and Boertien one presummes due to injury.

Of the trialists on show Marco Reich improved on saturdays showing, whilst Anthony Grant again showed enough to suggest that he might well be worth a contract offer, whilst Chris Palmer did himself no harm. Of the new boys Dwayne Mattis looked fit and strong after his leg break, with Steve Roberts looking an able partner for Anthony. It was interesting that Mark Bradley played at full back rather than his usual midfield roll a position he has played for Wales under 21’s.
Sofiene Zaaboub showed signs that he might well be a good signing but equally proved frustrating at times. Up front Jabo didn’t really improve on Saturdays showing whilst Mr Ba found the net and certainly looked better than his first showing. So it is down to team spirit and budget perhaps Jimmy will be having some serious talks today.

The first goal was set up by an inch perfect Reich cross, which was burried by a Dwayne Mattis Header in the 24th minute. The second came from George Ba who cut in to beat two players before shooting home. Two nil at half time but the changes didn’t stop the goals as Patrick Suffo took centre stage. In the 54th minute a good strike from the edge of the area found the net. This was followed up a good turn and shot from the striker.

Walsall (1st half)
Clayton Ince

Mark Bradley
Anthony Gerrard (Capt.)
Steve Roberts
Chris Palmer

Marco Reich
Anthony Grant
Dwayne Mattis
Sofiene Zaaboub

Jabo Ibehre
Georges Ba

(2nd half)
Rene Gilmartin

Richard Davies (Josh Craddock, 71 mins.)
Manny Smith
Tom Schwarz
Netan Sansara

Marco Reich (Charlton Davies, 63 mins.)
Mark Lowe
Patrick Suffo
Ishmel Demontagnac

Alex Nicholls
Troy Deeney

Unused Substitutes
Harry Harris
Hassan Bacchus

So after three games, we have three wins scored eight goals conceeded nil, too early to draw any conclusions but it is safe to say pre season has started smoothly.