Walsall start pre-season campaign with loss
Walsall got their pre-season campaign under way with a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted League One side Crewe Alexandra.
First-half goals from Callum Ainley and Daniel Powell gave the Railwaymen the victory in the warm-up fixture, held behind-closed-doors.
Darrell Clarke named separate teams in each half, including an unnamed trialist in goal in the second period.
New signings George Nurse and Rory Holden, who was on loan from Bristol City last term, also had a run out.
But the Saddlers were sloppy early on and punished by Ainley inside two minutes, as he fired into the bottom corner after a neat move.
Defender Zak Jules hit the post for Walsall with a half-volley after the midway point of the first period. But Powell turned Charlie Kirk’s cross beyond Liam Roberts for a two-goal half-time lead.
Caolan Lavery had a chance to half the arrears last on but his header from Josh Gordon’s cross flew wide.
Nothing could separate Hednesford Town and Stafford Rangers at the PRG Stadium. Danny Glover gave the hosts the lead from the left of the box just after half-time but new Boro signing Jamie Sleigh levelled with 15 minutes remaining.
Chekaine Steele, Rackeem Reid and an own goal handed Rushall Olympic friendly victory at AFC Wulfrunians.
Liam Kirton netted a hat-trick as Chasetown won 6-1 at Wolverhampton Casuals. Joey Butlin, Ben Lund and Oli Hayward also scored.
