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Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Reports and reaction from the 2013-2014 season as Walsall finished 13th in League 1
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Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:51 am

Amyone out there want to file reports? :D

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Neil Ravenscroft
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 6:49 am

From Facebook Official

Walsall vs. Stokely Vale FC

The Saddlers were scheduled to play a Tobagan XI today but the game was switched as top Tobagan team, Stokely Vale, were our hosts on the the training pitches at the Dwight Yorke Stadium pitches.

We llined up as follows. Darryl Trim, Gem Gordon, Dwight Pope, Nicholas Dillon and Rundell Winchester are all T & T trialists. Triallists 'A' and 'B' travelled with the group from the UK:

Liam Roberts, Ben George, Mal Benning, Andy Butler, Paul Downing, Darryl Trim, Ashley Hemmings, Reece Flanagan, Nicky Featherstone, James Baxendale, A. Triallist.

The game started at a high intensity as The Saddlers looked to dominate possession with their slick passing game. Thankfully the cloud cover kept the temperature cooler than earlier in the day but the humidity was still very high at kick-off (4.30 pm local time).

After ten minutes, we went close following an Ashley Hemmings centre after an over enthusiastic tackle on Mal Benning.

The cloud cover lasted all of five minutes as the Tobagan sun beat down.

A nice piece of interplay between James Baxendale and Nicky Featherstone resulted in the latter bearing down on goal. However, his slide rule shot was well saved.

With 20 minutes on the clock, The ball was camped in the Stokely Vale FC half as The Saddlers dictated play.

We soon opened the scoring as a roaming foray from Ben George saw the young right back open his Walsall account with a composed finish.

It was almost 2-0 when Featherstone clipped the ball to the back post only for A. Triallist to head against the upright.

Hemmings was next to try his luck from 20 yards but his drive was easily collected by the Vale keeper.

Baxendale then clipped the bar with an angled drive as the half-hour mark approached.

After a quick water break, The Saddlers continued to control the game but credit to our hosts who, despite the searing heat, pressed at every opportunity.

Stokely Vale's Jamal Walters had the hosts first effort at goal on 35 minutes but his shot was high and wide.

Vale were soon level though as Dominic Munchen curled home a superb free kick.

That was the last action of an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

The Saddlers lined-up for the second period as follows:

B. Triallist, Ben Purkiss, James Chambers, Dwight Pope, Dean Holden, Kieron Morris, Sam Mantom, Jake Heath, Gem Gordon, Danny Griffiths, Omari Sterling-James.

The Saddlers were back in front early in t he sevond half when Jake Heath played in Tobagan trialist Gem Gordon who slotted home.

It was soon 3-1 as Ben Purkiss' long pass played in Danny Griffiths who in turn played in Kieron Morris. The youngster took a touch before slotting the ball past the despairing, and slightly rotund, substitute Vale keeper.

Nicholas Dillon replaced Gem Gordon just after the hour mark. Soon after Rundell Winchester came on for Griffiths.

The Saddlers controlled the play with their slick passing game and, with 15 minutes to play, Dean Holden nearly finished another well worked move but his shot was blocked before Winchester fired over.

Winchester nearly made amends though when he connected with a Morris centre moments later. Credit to the Stokely Vale keeper though, who managed to tip his effort around the post.

Vale almost pulled a goal back with five minutes to go through Tyrone Manning but it wasn't to be.

The game finished 3-1 to The Saddlers, who were impressive throughout.

"The lads did really well," said Dean Smith afterwards."We've been working on keeping possession and I thought he boys did that really well today. It's important to do that in this heat and humidity.

"The Tobagan boys came in and did well too. They enjoyed the experience, which is important.

"It's been a good few days and its nice to kick off the tour with a win."

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PT
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 6:31 pm

It's a bit surreal isn't it?

Glad we won and it's nice we're mixing a pre-season tour with some talent spotting.

But all a bit strange.

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 8:30 pm

Stokely Vale. I can't think of a worse name for a football team. Why don't they nickname themselves the wulfs or Shrews whilst they're at it?

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 8:50 pm

Magic Man Fan wrote:Stokely Vale. I can't think of a worse name for a football team. Why don't they nickname themselves the wulfs or Shrews whilst they're at it?


It's not great is it :lol:

Who's next up, Wolvesbromwich alexandra :lol:

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sat Jul 06, 2013 11:11 pm

Rundell Winchester?

Sign him up!

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gerryhatrick
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sun Jul 07, 2013 8:38 am

latviancheese wrote:Rundell Winchester?

Sign him up!

His surname would trigger a barrel of puns.

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Fray Bentos is God!
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sun Jul 07, 2013 8:38 am

gerryhatrick wrote:
latviancheese wrote:Rundell Winchester?

Sign him up!

His surname would trigger a barrel of puns.


He must have a right shot on him.

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:07 am

He sounds like a pirate.

Pirates are ace.

Sign him up.

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Neil Ravenscroft
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Mon Jul 08, 2013 6:56 am

Walsall FC Official
Walsall 3-2 T & T Pro League XI
Challenge Trophy
Sunday, 7th July
Ato Boldon Stadium, Trinidad

The Saddlers took on a Trinidad and Tobago Pro League XI at the Ato Bolden Stadium this evening.

The match kicked off at 6.30pm as a women's cup final was played before the main event.

The Saddlers lined up as follows:

Liam Roberts, Ben George, Andy Butler, Dean Holden, James Chambers, Ashley Hemmings, Nicky Featherstone, Jake Heath, James Baxendale, Danny Griffiths, Rundell Winchester.

Our hosts made a lively start to the game, almost as lively as the steel band that played, at great pace, from the opening whistle.

Liam Roberts did well to palm away a Mikhail Awai drive from close range after five minutes.

Danny Griffiths almost opened the scoring when he turned on the edge of the 18 yard line. However his rasping drive was tipped over by Kevin Graham.

T & T took the lead on the half hour mark when Jomal Williams slotted home from 18 yards.

Mal Benning replaced James Chambers as The Saddlers reverted to a flat back four just before the interval.

The Saddlers lined up for the second-half as follows:
Liam Roberts, Ben Purkiss, Mal Benning, Paul Downing, Dwight Pope, Reece Flanagan, Sam Mantom, Omari Sterling-James, A Triallist, Gem Gordon.

Tobagan Triallist, Gem Gordon, almost made an immediate impact when he was played in by Omari Sterling-James. However, the youngster's shot was easily gathered by Graham.

Paul Downing was next to threaten the T & T goal when he connected with a Reece Flanagan centre. However, his header went just wide of the back post.

Our hosts doubled their advantage soon after as Neil Benjamin Jr timed his run to perfection to latch on to a well-placed through ball and slot home.

Credit to The Saddlers though who, despite an early start and intense strength session, continued to press and compete in the humidity of the Trinidadian evening.

Tobagan triallist, Gem Gordon, pulled one back for The Saddlers with 20 minutes to go when he coolly slotted home.

And Gordon quickly levelled proceedings when he made it two in two minutes after being played in by Reece Flanagan.

A. Triallist was next to try his luck as he spotted Graham off his line he attempted to lob the T & T keeper only for Graham to recover in time and tip the ball over the bar.

If that wast drama enough, The Saddlers completed a stunning comeback to snatch a deserved victory with just minutes to go.

A. Triallist and Gordon linked up well on the edge of the box before the former curled home to give Dean Smith's Men a second successive victory.

Afterwards, The Saddlers were presented with the ChallengeTrophy along with medals for each player to mark their victory on Trinidadian soil.

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:25 am

Is that 4 in 2 for Gem Gordon? Sign him up!!!

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:26 am

coventriansaddler wrote:Is that 4 in 2 for Gem Gordon? Sign him up!!!

No, sorry, 3 in 2. Still sign him up.

Jockey
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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:33 pm

Put this in wrong thread. Highlights of Sundays game is on YouTube.

Dodgy defending and commentary!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FS5YJuggQQ[/youtube]

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:08 am

Losing 1-0 at half-time to Central FC.

Ok performance, but very rusty.

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Re: Trinidadian tour 5, 7, 9 July matches

Wed Jul 10, 2013 1:19 am

Finished 1-1.

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