Walsall reach Semi final

Birmingham Senior Cup Quarter-Final game was given the go ahead despite the recent rain. However the heavy pitch and conditions did mean that the forecast appearance of Alan Picken didn't happen. Although others with first team experience did turn out.

The Saddlers lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with a mixture of experience and youth.
Walsall
Bertrand Bossu

Geordie Lyall
Anthony Gerrard
Tommy Taylor
Netan Sansara

Alex Nicholls
Mark Bradley
Darren Wrack
Ishmel Demontagnac

Troy Denney ( 78 min)
Tony Bedeau

Subs:-
Peter Doran unused
Charlton Davies unused
Rene Gilmartin (GK) unused
Leon Quarless, (63 min)
Chris Hanna, (78min)

Manager,Eric McManus saw Boldmere start well, and take the lead on the 11 minute when young Mykel Beckley went past Tommy Taylor with pace to score.

In the 19th minute Boldmere's defence lets in Troy Denney to equalise. The youngster only recently returning from Halesowen on loan where reports were that manager Martin O'Connor was quiet impressed.

Walsall took the lead after 27 minutes as Tony Bedeau cuts in from the right Then in the 36th minute, a free-kick was played back to Ishmel Demontagnac and, from 40 yards out he lobs the goalkeeper.Luck more than judgement but they all count. We went in at half time 3-1 up.

In the 83rd minute Boldmere scored a late consolation when Jimmy Quiggin scored as the defence switched off.

The game was really quiet comfortable for the Saddlers with the score flattering the home side a bit. Although a late chance as Walsall switched off could have made it 3-3.
In the stands was Mark Kinsella and it is nice to see him still in touch with the Saddlers boys.
The game proved a good run out for Darren Wrack as he looks to regain match fitness, as was the case with Alex Nicholls. As for Tommy Taylor he didn't show anything more than he did in the pre season games he had with us. Geordie Lyall looks to have the skill and the pace for the first team but looks like he will need more time to adjust to the English league. However these types of games can be difficult to judge.

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