Marcus Braddock reports on the youth side latest game at the Sports Village
The match started well for the Town, with plenty of passing, use of the flanks and some full blooded challenges, but after Walsall scored, town seemed to go into their shell. Walsall's midfield looked a goof unit and went about suppressing town in quite an effective manner. Not long after the first goal, a Walsall striker broke free on the left and pushed on along the byline. Left with no other option, Goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe made a challenge that the referee though was worth a penalty. The Walsall lad who took the spot kick put it away well enough to make the score 2-0 to the visitors. For the rest of the first half, Town had their work cut out for them not to get overrun in midfield. Halfway through the half, Ryan Woods was fouled, it was a clumsy challenge at best and was awarded the yellow card it deserved. Woods had to be replaced , with Kieran Mills-Evans going on to cover. It was a shame to see Woods injured as he had provided a good driving force in midfield and an influential presence. Walsall continued to press the game and at times looked like they were going to score again, but for some stout defending and a decent save or two from Springthorpe.
The second half saw a change in formation from Dave Hughes, with Town going for the more reserved option of 5 in midfield. Walsall still looked a team who were trying to press, but they were making less progress than in the first half as the formation change took effect. It was turning into quite a gritty midfield battle with one or two challenges looking a little on the careless side. As time wore on in the half, Town were looking the better side with Luke Male looking to drive through midfield, at times pushing the ball to the flanks, and at others electing to push on himself. With around 20 minutes left to play, town made the move of the game with a neat passing move that would be at home at a much higher level. Some neat play in the middle lead to the ball going out to the right flank, a couple of short passes later the ball was in the box with Cameron Broadway, who rounded the keeper and slotted it away to make it 2-1 to the Town.
Town continued their good work , and came close a couple of times before Walsall made a break down the other end, forcing a strong save from Springthorpe that was applauded by both sets of fans. A couple of minutes later and Town forced another corner, and from Ian Edmunds pinpoint corner, Luke Male got the goal he deserved from a strong header to make it all square. Shrewsbury could have taken the game in the last few minutes with a couple of decent forays, but the final ball eluded them. All told, this was a decent game with plenty to enjoy from both sides.
I grabbed a quick word with David Hughes after the game to get his thoughts...
I thought we did very well from half time onwards,I was disappointed with the first half and I think the pulled us about a little too much with the extra man in midfield in the first 30 minutes. We changed it in midfield at half time and we got to grips with them. I watch it through a different set of eyes and I think we had chances to be all square at half time. We go in 2-0 down, tried to rally the guys, try to get them to compete a little more and get close to them and not let them play. In the end, for me, we should have nicked it, a couple of chances, a couple of close calls, we've got from 2-0 to 2-2 . I said to the guys at half time that 2-0 is the worst scoreline in football, because if you make it 2-1, they get a little bit nervy and jittery. I said to them, be tight for 20 minutes and your chances will come.
One goal from open play and one from a set piece shows we have more than one dimension to our play?
I thought the first goal was fantastic, great movement and took it round the keeper to slot it away, and I am pleased with Cameron because he gets in the good areas and he will score goals. He needs some work technically and some aspects from his game though. The equalizer was a fantastic ball in from Ian Edmunds and put away by Luke Male.
A word about the goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe, who made some very decent saves?
He is 15 years of age and he has been absolutely fantastic, he made 2 fantastic saves and saves like that turn games. He pulled one out of the top corner with a save that was top class and I am pleased for him. He is 15 years of age, he is keeping 2 lads out of the side , one is 12 months older and one is 2 years older so I am delighted with him.
