By 4two
August 21 2002

Dani Rodrigues and Andy Bishop put in impressive performances during the Avon League fixture against Wolves last night. Despite losing 3-0 there were a number of performances that Colin Lee must surely take notice of. Walsall Res 0
Wolves Res 3 (Ndah, 5 Proudlock 49, Branch 70)
Att:720

Man of the Match : Rodrigues - Walsall

A Crowd of over 700 turned out to watch this Avon Insurance Division 1 reserve match. Walsall were hoping to get some revenge for last weeks 3-1 defeat at Molinuex. Ndah, Branch and Proudlock netted for the Wolves while Bishop and Rodrigues looked impressive for Walsall

With us having a small squad, and now playing in Division 1 i feel we can expect to see more reserve performances like this.

This inexperienced Walsall side fell behind after 5 minutes when a lively Michael Branch set up George Ndah.

Wolves had enough chances to finish the game in the first half with both Branch and Cooper having chances. It was however young centre half Gavin Caines who came closest for Saddlers with a long-range drive which was just of target.

The only other chance Walsall had in the game was a Herivelto effort just after Proudlock had a goal disallowed for off side.


The second half was more of the same, with Wolves getting more and more chances, one of which Proudlock smashed away after about 50 minutes.

It was obvious we were never going to get back in to the game, but still our young side pushed on before Wolves got there third from a Branch header.

During the second half Walsall’s only real chance fell to Zdrilic after an impressive Rodrigues fed a ball in too his feet on the edge of the 6 yard box, which he failed to finish.

Our forwards never really had any clear cut chances and fed of scraps, Bishop worked hard and didnt get the goal he deserved.

FULL TIME: Walsall Reserves 0-3 Wolves Reserves.

Wolves: Murray, Connelly, Talbot, G Ward, Pollet, Clyde, Branch, Melligan, Proudlock, Ndah, Cooper Subs: Solly, Vincent, Walters, Coleman, Vincent.

Walsall: Ward, Paschalis, Simpson, Caines, Bennett, Smith, Rodrigues, Bishop, Zdrilic, Martinez, Herivelto. Subs: Stanley, Harris, Dixon, Atieno, Lloyd

Att: 720.

Player Ratings.

27) Ward (6/10)
A confident display from the former Stoke keeper. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals. Performances like this will surely dispel any anxieties fans have about his ability.

2) Paschalis (8/10)
One of the most impressive performers on the pitch, young Paschalis linked well with Rodrigues on the right flank and was confident enough to attack at every opportunity

3) Simpson (7/10)
A typical Simpson display at full back, highlighting his versatility. Could have got forward more to support “Harry” but had his hands tied keeping an eye on Branch. Played a number of good balls across the pitch to set up Saddlers attacks.

4) Caines (5/10)
One half of the young defensive partnership that had there hands full throughout the game. The pace and power Proudlock, Ndah and Branch was a problem for him, while his distribution was sometimes lacking the quality. But you cant be too critical considering the opposition

5) Bennett (5/10)
Similar to Caines so far as the Wolves forward were too much for him to handle. The timing of his challenges and distribution do need to improve, but he is still finding his way in the reserve set up.

6) Smith (7/10)
A combative display from the young Saddlers captain. His passing was good and he wasn’t afraid to mix it in the midfield. Had a number of chances on goal from long range, which were no threat to the Wolves keeper.

7) Rodrigues (9/10)
Playing on the right of midfield Dani Rodrigues must surely be putting pressure on Darren Wrack, with a performance that saw him constantly strolling past the Wolves full back and creating chances for both him self and the two strikers. His finishing could have been better on a number of occasions.

8) Bishop (8/10)
Pushed the Saddlers Number 7 close for the man of the match award with a display that must have given Colin Lee food for thought, considering the lack of goals from the first team strikers. For those who have never seen him, his work rate is phenomenal, he has pace to burn , and he has an ability to bring other players in to the game which no other strikers apart from an on form Jorge can do. (You heard it here first; he is the answer to our problems)

9) Zdrilic (4/10)
A disappointing performance from a player most fans expect a lot from. He looks desperately in need of match practice, and didn’t look up to pace. As a player he reminded me of Wayne Clarke, because of how he is built and the fact that he lacks any real pace. When he had the chances, he failed to convert them. He was willing to put the effort in and drop deep and chase back.

10) Martinez (7/10)
A steady performance from the Spaniard. Subbed after an hour for Craig Stanley, Martinez may well be in line for a starting place this weekend. He rarely misplaced a pass and carried the game on forward when he had possession. Made a number of good challenges, but could have got forward more like Smith did to support the forwards.

11) Herivelto (6/10)
Tricks, Jinks, Runs, the usual Herivelto. Harry tended to waste the ball in the second half and didn’t look early enough for the cross. Had one real chance before half time but failed to score.

Subs Used

Stanley (5/10)
Failed to make an impact on the game, did link well with Nick Smith though.

Subs not Used
Harris, Dixon, Atieno, Lloyd.


Rodrigues, Simpson, Martinez and Bishop should have given Colin Lee something to think about for Saturday, as they were the only real players to shine today.