Theo Vassell makes a quick impact for Walsall
New signing Theo Vassell got his Walsall career off to a stunning start on Saturday, scoring against Norwich in a behind-closed-doors friendly just one day after signing for the Saddlers.
The 19-year-old centre-back nodded in Jordon Sangha's delivery in the 56th minute to level things up after former Wolves winger Elliott Bennett's close-range finish had put the Canaries ahead in the first half.
However, Norwich regained the lead just four minutes later when Cameron Jerome flicked in a corner from ex-Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans, and Alex Neil's side held on for a 2-1 victory at St George's Park.
"It was a really good work-out and a really good test," said Walsall manager Jon Whitney. "We've got such high standards and we're always looking at ways we can improve.
"It's great that from a coaching perspective, there are some really good things we can work on.
"From a physical side, we've come through it unscathed and that's the most important thing.
"For a first pre-season game, it was very beneficial for us. The lads who've been here for a few years were really good, and some of the new lads really shone."
Norwich started the game brightly and Carlton Morris went close on two occasions before Bennett gave them the lead when Saddlers keeper Neil Etheridge spilled a Josh Murphy cross in the box.
Walsall's summer signing Erhun Oztumer tested Norwich keeper John Ruddy with a 30-yard free-kick soon after but the Canaries continued to dominate proceedings.
Etheridge saved well from Steven Naismith before Sebastian Bassong headed a gilt-edged chance wide.
Whitney changed the whole Walsall XI at half-time, bringing on 19-year-old Albion trialist Tahvon Campbell.
The young striker, who may be brought in on loan, forced Declan Rudd into a decent stop with a powerful shot, but Walsall equalised from the resulting corner when Vassell headed home from close range.
However, Norwich restored their lead just four minutes later when Jerome's near-post flick looped over Craig MacGillivray before finding the net at the far post.
The Saddlers pushed hard for an equaliser, and Vassell saw a header from a corner deflected wide.
But the Championship side ended the game on top.
Dorrans forced MacGillivray into a one-handed save from a free-kick before Vassell capped off his debut by clearing Murphy's chip off the line.
