Stafford 2 Walsall 3
A second-half double from substitute Nick Chadwick saw Walsall comeback from two goals down to edge out Stafford Rangers at Marston Road.
A second-half double from substitute Nick Chadwick saw Walsall comeback from two goals down to edge out Stafford Rangers at Marston Road.
The home side were looking good for a morale-boosting pre-season win after first half goals from Nick Wellecomme and David McNiven.
It was not to be. Will Griggs pulled one back for the Saddlers and Chadwick's brace made it two friendly defeats on the trot for Steve Bull's men.
There were six changes to the Rangers line up which had been comprehensively beaten by Shrewsbury on Saturday and one of those to come in, Wellecomme, netted after just four minutes.
Persistence from McNiven paid off as he won possession from dithering Walsall defenders. The ball fell for Wellecomme to fire past keeper Rene Gilmartin from close range.
Stafford keeper Danny Alcock had to be alert to prevent an instant equaliser, pulling off a smart save from Troy Deeney's header.
Rangers' high-tempo play was causing Walsall problems and they went close through Wellecomme and Bobby Wilson.
They deservedly doubled their lead when Gilmartin's tame punch from Craig Reid's cross dropped to McNiven to, who steered the ball into an empty net.
Nine minutes later, the visitors pulled a goal back. Keegan Ayre's clever ball into the box was helped on by Deeney to Griggs. He slotted past Alcock with a cool finish.
Walsall equalised after the break, when Deeney's cross from the byline was met by substitute Chadwick, whose pinpoint header into the corner gave the keeper no chance.
Rangers began to tire physically and mentally after that. Walsall's comeback was complete just past the hour mark. Chadwick scored from the spot, after Ishmel Demontagnac had been tripped going past Alcock.
Reflecting on the game, Stafford manager Steve Bull admits there's still work to be done before the season starts.
He said: "I can't fault them for work rate, as they gave 100 per cent, but it's the technical side we need to work on.
"Few of the players are used to the 3-5-2 system I want to use but we'll keep working with them to get it right.
"I should think I'll know my strongest line up by the time we play Wrexham next week."
Stafford: Alcock, Wilson (Gibson), Daniel (McMahon), Amos, Francis, Reid, McPherson (Jarrett), Thornley, Ingram (Loukes), McNiven (Dovey), Wellecomme.
Walsall: Gilmartin, Taundry (Craddock), Baccus, Smith, Schwartz (Moon), Harris (Chadwick), Ayre, Davies, Demontagnac (Low), Deeney, Griggs.
Referee: Steve Rushton (Stoke).
Attendance: 268
