Walsall debrief: Youth brigade, attacking concerns and Jake Hollman absence explained
Walsall moved to within a point of the group summit in the EFL Trophy, after a 4-2 shoot-out win over Chelsea under-21s following a goalless stalemate at Bescot.
Mat Sadler's men will qualify for the knockout stages, as long as Shrewsbury fail to win against Northampton Town on November 11.
Here are the key talking points from the Saddlers' final EFL Trophy group fixture.
Youth brigade
It was far from vintage, and most definitely not entertaining, but it was an excellent night for the academy once again.
This competition has provided Mat Sadler with the platform to play his academy players, and he has stuck to his word.
Striker Paul Makavore became the next young talent to make his Walsall debut from the bench, while Stan Straw and McLloyd Oben also came on for their third appearance in the EFL Trophy this term.
Straw even stepped up to the spot in the shoot-out and confidently converted from 12 yards.
Attacking concerns laid bare
