Walsall kicked off their public pre-season friendly games against Wolves at the Bescot Stadium and suffered a 0-4 defeat but given the fact they are a Premiership club with many talented youngsters let alone big-money signings it was always going to be difficult.
With Walsall camped in their own half for much of the first half hour, Wolves were knocking the ball about so comfortably in midfield and created a fair few chances demonstrating the gulf between the two outfits. The vistors took the lead on 10 minutes when a cross was headed in by the impressive Ashley Hemmings.
Walsall to their credit created a few half chances, Alex Nicholls in particular had a great chance with a header then Richard Taundry went close with a powerful shot. Wolves replied with two goals from striker Sam Vokes in an eight minute spell and the player was unlucky not to get a hat trick when he fired just wide. His first was a tap in but the second he went round the Saddlers new keeper Jonny Brain and cooly slotted from a tight angle.
Walsall battled hard in the second half but were not creating many worthwhile chances. Wolves had to wait till the 65th minute to score their fourth goal thanks to the determination of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who threw off two challenges and scored from an angle.
Chris Hutchings fielded several new signings during the game and a trialist. He will no doubt keep trying new players and formations in the next three friendlies before the league season starts.
