Mat Sadler explains Jamie Jellis absence and hails Walsall youngsters

Jellis was one of the most notable absentees and Sadler explained why he was not involved at full-time. 

David Okagbue and Brandon Comley also watched from the stands after they were given an extra week off after travelling on international duty earlier in the off-season.

Priestley Farquharson also didn't feature, with Sadler planning on easing him into Walsall's pre-season programme. 

"Jamie was unwell so he wasn't able to play. Dave [Okagbue] and Brandon [Comley] weren't able to play either.

"We didn't want Priestley to play in this game either. We've taken the decision to grow him into pre-season rather than expecting him to hit the ground running straightaway. 

"Because we want him to be fit for as many games as possible this season."

Besides Wragg, fellow academy stars Stan Straw, McLloyd Oben, Dylan Thomas and Paul Makavore also featured in the second half. 

And Sadler hailed academy boss Rob Williams for his work with the youngsters which he feels is beginning to bear fruit. 

"Rob Williams in the academy has done incredible work over the last two or three years. He has taken it to a different level and he has done amazing work. 

"That is starting to bear fruit. We've spoken about the identity of the football club and we've made an identity for the academy. 

"We're implementing that and you can see with the boys that played. I think that identity was maybe not be implemented as well over the last five or six years, but it's very much in full flow now."