Walsall 0 Wolves 1 - Analysis
Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has called on his side to keep their bottle as he looks for them to become pass masters.
The Saddlers slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves last night, thanks to former Saddlers loanee Andrew Surman's 16th minute strike and boss Hutchings was rightly pleased with the work out.
But, for a bit more composure, the Saddlers could have snatched a draw or even a win, after Sam Parkin struck a post and Wayne Hennessey saved from Will Grigg and Troy Deeney late in the second half.
Hutchings expects similar efforts over the summer as he looks for the Saddlers to maintain his passing beliefs.
He said: "I've told the lads that's what we've got to look to improve but it's whether you can do it consistently and have the bottle to do it when it comes to League matches.
"It's what we're all trying to do now. Only time will tell – that's why we need that blend of youth and experience with people knowing what to do and when to do it. That's key for us.
"It's getting there, you can see with the type of players we're trying to bring in.
"The experience, knowledge and know-how of a player at this level is vital."
The Saddlers chief has now had time to impart his footballing philosophies and is building his own team, not one he inherited.
On the field, there is now a hesitancy to look long, after last season's eagerness, and when the Saddlers did launch a deep one there was a blast from the manager from the touchline.
He would have been concerned at the way Wolves cut through the Saddlers' midfield in the first-half but they are unlikely to face similar quality in League One and there is still time for improvement.
Mark Hughes was handed the captaincy again, despite Hutchings' claim he would rotate the armband and, although the boss remained coy as to its final destination, the 22-year-old is in the box seat.
The rest of the back four, up against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Andy Keogh, were stretched at times and allowed the visitors chances in the early stages.
Keogh sliced wide after a slick free-kick routine and Ebanks-Blake headed against the post, as they spurned the kind of openings in which they will need to find the net in the Premier League.
Trialist Jamie Vincent enjoyed a solid night, but Hutchings may need to dip into the transfer market after Netan Sansara – his only contracted left-back – turned his ankle.
The 19-year-old is doubtful for Saturday's home workout with Albion – meaning Vincent, 34, will get another chance.
At the other end of the age spectrum Sam Adkins, Grigg, Darryl Westlake and second year scholar Sean Geddes all impressed in their substitute outings.
Grigg dovetailed well with Deeney as Adkins patrolled the left, showing neat touches and an ability which could shine through this season.
After a quiet first-half, the Saddlers improved after the break, with Parkin striking the post from Rhys Weston's free-kick after 53 minutes.
Adkins then set Grigg through on 82 minutes and his shot was smothered by Hennessey.
The Saddlers could have then snatched an injury-time equaliser, but Hennessey was equal to Deeney's flying header.
By Nick Mashiter
