"Pleasing" - Kevin Wilkin reacts to AFC Telford United's win over Walsall

Kevin Wilkin feels the way AFC Telford United excelled without the ball in their pre-season win against Walsall on Saturday will serve them well in the National League North this term.

Telford responded to their 3-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in midweek by emerging 1-0 victors over fellow League Two opponents Walsall at New Bucks Head.

Wilkin’s charges survived a promising start from the visitors and seized their first notable chance when one of the trialists drove a low unerring finish into the bottom corner on the half-hour mark.

They then remained resilient out-of-possession to keep Walsall at bay and Wilkin was pleased with the performance.

“It’s a good workout. They’re a strong side, with good players and they had that extra level of fitness over us,” the Bucks boss said.

“But the way we worked against the ball was pleasing because we’ll go away from home this season and we’ll have to be without the ball for long periods at times.

“It’s important that we understand that and we work hard as a group to make sure the distances are good and we’re blocking passing lanes.

“There was plenty of evidence of that today. There are still a lot of lads that are still trialling with us and staking their claim.

“Everybody applied themselves and did really well. It’s not the most important thing, but it’s nice to win the game.”

Albert Adomah rattled the post with an early free-kick and Lewis Simper blazed another chance over the crossbar during the first 25 minutes.

But goalkeeper Brandon Hall was rarely tested. Tai Sodje registered the Saddlers’ only shot on target and his tame effort required only a textbook save by the Bucks’ shot-stopper.

Orrin Pendley almost capped a satisfying afternoon with a stunning effort from inside his own half, but Walsall goalkeeper Jenson Kilroy backpedalled to palm the ball behind.

“Brandon said that he hasn’t had a save of note to make. It was fairly routine stuff,” Wilkin added.

“He has handled the ball well, kicked the ball well when he needed to.

“Outside of that, we haven’t allowed them to get in too many clear cut moments, if any.”