Express & Star

Darrell Clarke impressed by Walsall discipline in Poland victory

Boss Darrell Clarke was pleased with his side's organisation and discipline after Walsall secured a 1-0 win over Odra Oploe during their pre-season trip to Poland.

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In that proved to be a keenly contested friendly in Opalencia, the I Liga side started the game well and saw a lot of the ball in the opening half-hour.

Gradually though, the Saddlers took control with Jake Kiersey opening the scoring in the 32nd minute with a well-taken goal.

And from that point Clarke's side created a number of other decent chances with winger Wes McDonald hitting the crossbar while Callum Cockerill-Mollett hit the post in what was a deserved victory.

"It was another good work out for the boys," Clarke said.

"It’s been an intense couple of days.

"It was a different type of opposition but it was a good game and I felt we deserved to win it.

"The shape looked good at times and we got a great goal from Jack Kiersey which was pleasing.

"We didn’t know too much about them. We knew they were a full-time team in the Polish second division so it was always going to be a difficult challenge, they were quite a physical team as well.

"They moved the ball quite well. But I was pleased with our discipline and shape.

"It’s nice to have a game over here and win."

With little known about the opposition, Walsall had to find their way into the game in the opening half-hour.

And Clarke was pleased with the way his players adapted to their opponents style of play.

"They (Opole) moved the ball well," the boss continued.

"It tends to be that way with foreign teams, they try and move the ball out from the back - pretty similar to our Premier League and Championship.

"But we shaped up really well without the ball and counter-attacked when we needed to."