Walsall U-23 0 Rovers U-23 4

[The Red Baron]

A good workout for a Rovers side that contained a number of players with first team experience. Also a chance for Mathieu Baudry and Alfie Beestin to have a run out following injuries.

Rovers lined up 3-4-3. Louis Jones in goal with an experienced back three of Alcock, Baudry and Garratt. Midfield was Jordan Tucker, Ben Khemis, Jacob Fletcher and Cody Prior, the captain. Up front Beestin, James Morris and Mandeville.

Rovers looked lively from the start and took the lead on 17 minutes when a move begun by Ben Khemis found Mandeville on the left hand side of the box. He cut inside and fired a low shot past Roberts. A second goal followed two minutes later. The impressive James Morris robbed his man 30 yards from goal and beat two defenders before shooting home.

Rovers went close on further occasions, notably when Fletcher's fierce shot was deflected wide by his own player. Three minutes before the interval Morris made it three from close range after good link-up play on the right between Beestin and Mandeville. 3-0 to Rovers at HT.

There were no changes at the break and Rovers added to their lead on 54 minutes after a sustained spell of pressure. The ball reached Fletcher on the edge of the box and he hit a superb shot that looped over Roberts into the top corner. Just before the hour Baudry and Beestin made way for Keegan Townrow and Morgan James.

Walsall now had their best spell of the game with Jones being forced to push away a corner under pressure. Then Townrow made a superb block to stop a goal after Jones was beaten. Jones then made a smart save to deny Candlin.

On 75 minutes there were three more changes, Matthew Overton, Anthony Greaves and Myron Gibbons replacing Mandeville, Fletcher and Morris. The changes livened Rovers up, and Gibbons forced a good save from Roberts before Alcock headed just over from Overton's corner. Then a lovely ball from Ben Khemis sent away the lively Overton down the left but Gibbons just failed to reach his cross.

This Central League Cup tie ended Walsall 0 Rovers 4. Some good performances, notably from Ben Khemis, Fletcher, Morris and Mandeville. Very useful game time for Baudry and Beestin who both figured prominently.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Sounds very promising. Thanks for the report.

[RoversAlias]

Yes a good read Red Baron and encouraging to hear of these positive displays by youngsters. Of course all eyes on Baudry as his return to fitness will be very welcome to our first team.

[idler]

It sounds like a good work out for the lads. Playing with and against first teamers should bring them on and their confidence must be sky high after a result like that. Especially in an away fixture.👍

[selby]

R.B. thanks for a great report on the game.

[PDX_Rover]

Sounds like we have good prospects coming along.

[Alan Southstand]

Who is this Morris lad?

[roversdude]

James Morris sounds a promising prospect

[The Red Baron]

James Morris is a young centre forward who is a second year in the Youth Team. He's a tall lad, very skilful, perhaps needs to bulk up a bit.

His first goal was all his own work and he linked up well with Beestin and Mandeville. I was impressed and think he could be worth a place on the bench for the first team, especially while Williams is out.

He replaced Williams in the Checkatrade last week and from what I heard did well. Would certainly benefit if we can get him a decent loan spell somewhere.

Also very impressed with Jacob Fletcher in midfield and when they came on Keegan Townrow and Matthew Overton did well. Of course it helps these lads when they play with experienced pros like Baudry and Alcock around them.

[drfchound]

I knew a player called Jimmy Morris, from Thorne.
That was a long time ago but this "new one" could perhaps be a relative ?
Anyone know where he is from.

[anne honemous]

How far is Will Logbottom off a return?

I've always thought of him as a brave player, willing to get into dangerous areas and gamble on things, but his progress was cut short by an ankle injury (I think) on loan at Kiddy, during which he seemed to be getting positive reviews.

[albie]

I think Longbum was going to be out for 2 months after his injury at Kiddy.

Not sure when exactly he was hurt.

[DonnyOsmond]

Think he's got another month to go.

[The Beast]

I knew a player called Jimmy Morris, from Thorne.
That was a long time ago but this "new one" could perhaps be a relative ?
Anyone know where he is from.

He's from Hatfield, Edenthorpe originally I think, I played with his dad, who was a top player and is a top bloke!

[southwestexile]

He's animal magic