Jon Whitney impressed by his Walsall side
Boss Jon Whitney thinks Walsall's players have ticked all the boxes in pre-season so far after their 1-1 draw against Championship outfit Birmingham City.
Amadou Bakayoko's third penalty in two games put the Saddlers ahead in an entertaining friendly at the Banks's Stadium
The spot-kick was awarded after defender Paul Caddis hauled down Erhun Oztumer in the box.
But the Blues defender made up for his error by scoring an 80th miniute free-kick to ensure the clash ended all-square.
Despite the late goal, Whitney was delighted with his team, saying: "I was really pleased with the performance.
"We are building our fitness levels. But the most pleasing thing for me was that it was like a chess match again – it was like last season.
"We got into our shape really well. It was two really well organised teams and to have that at this stage of pre-season is really pleasing.
"We are a new team but you can already see what we are about. We have worked hard.
"We do a lot of work on shape and they know we attack from a defensive shape.
"But we have got players who can unlock a defence as well, so it's really exciting for me and my coaches."
One player who impressed for the Saddlers was Isaiah Osbourne, who is aiming to win a contract after missing the whole of last season with a knee injury.
Whitney added: "I expect Ozzy (Osbourne) to be knocking on my door – he's always knocking on my door.
"I wanted to start him with Adam Chambers to see what he would be like.
"Ozzy is someone who can break up play but he is also good on the defensive side and technically. He has given me a headache, but it's a great headache to have."
