Trialists and new faces: Talking points from Walsall's pre-season opener

Harry Williams opened the scoring against his former club on the cusp of half-time.

Charlie Lakin doubled Walsall’s advantage with a sweetly-struck volley four minutes after the break, before Jamie Jellis added a third with a deflected finish six minutes from time.

Here’s a round-up of the main talking points from Walsall’s pre-season opener.

Albert’s trial

Former Villa winger Albert Adomah was one of two trialists to star for Walsall as he shone at right-wing-back during the first 45 minutes.

The 36-year-old left Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers at the end of the season and Mat Sadler confirmed after the final whistle that he has been with the club for “a few days”.

Walsall still have “work” to do in regards to any potential deal for Adomah, but nonetheless they are on the lookout for another right-wing-back following the departures of Tom Knowles and Joe Foulkes.

Harry’s homecoming

It was a special occasion for Williams as he returned to his old stomping ground for the first time since leaving Alvechurch for Walsall last summer.

Williams, who made 39 appearances during his solitary season with the Church, had last featured for Walsall from the bench in a 2-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra on Boxing Day before a hip flexor injury kept him out for the rest of the campaign.

So it was rather fitting that it was the 21-year-old defender who broke the deadlock just before half-time on his long-awaited return to action.

New faces impress

Summer signing Connor Barrett replaced Adomah at the break for his debut as Walsall named entirely different XIs in each half.

Tommy Simkin made his Walsall bow between the sticks in the first 45, while there were maiden appearances for youngsters George Barrett and Charlie Wragg along with new recruits Evan Weir and Charlie Lakin after the break.

The latter wasted little time introducing himself to the Saddlers faithful as former Birmingham City midfielder Lakin picked out the bottom corner with a clinical volley from the edge of the box to double Walsall’s advanatge.

Joy for Jellis

The first half was very much a case of blowing off the cobwebs, whereas Walsall hit the accelerator after the break as Alvechurch tired.

Jellis was at the heart of that as he drove Walsall forward and showed the type of invention which will excite fans.

He eventually got his name on the scoresheet on 84 minutes when his deflected finish wrong-footed Charlie Woods.

Walsall were much better as a whole in the second half. Taylor Allen’s deliveries to the back post for Oisin McEntee proved a threat on more than one occasion, while 17-year-old Dylan Thomas also impressed with his appearance from the bench.