Walsall return to Jersey Mike’s Trophy action on Tuesday evening as Fulham Under-21s visit the Bescot, in a competition that is unlikely to feature particularly high on most supporters’ list of priorities this season.
For Lee Grant, however, the fixture provides another opportunity to give minutes to players who haven’t featured regularly in League Two, assess his options and potentially offer further first-team experience to some of the club’s younger players.
Both sides suffered heavy defeats in their opening group fixtures, with Walsall losing 6-1 at home to Stevenage and Fulham’s youngsters beaten by the same scoreline at Leicester City.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SQUAD
With League Two understandably taking priority, Grant could once again use the competition to rotate his squad and give opportunities to players looking to establish themselves in his plans.
The opening fixture against Stevenage saw younger members of the squad involved, and Tuesday could provide another chance for some of the club’s emerging talent to experience senior football.
For those on the fringes of the first team, it’s also an opportunity to get valuable competitive minutes under their belts.
THE OPPOSITION
Fulham Under-21s arrive having lost their opening group fixture 6-1 against Leicester City.
As one of the invited academy sides, Fulham will be looking to give their young players experience against senior opposition, with the competition offering a different challenge to their regular development fixtures.
THE GROUP PICTURE
Stevenage currently lead Southern Group B with six points, followed by Leicester City on three. Walsall and Fulham are both yet to register a point.
With the top two progressing to the knockout stages, both teams still have an opportunity to improve their position in the group.
THE FINAL WORD
The Jersey Mike’s Trophy might not capture the imagination of the majority of Walsall supporters, particularly with an unbeaten League Two campaign to concentrate on, but it still serves a useful purpose.
For Grant, it’s another chance to assess his squad, give younger players experience and provide competitive football for those needing minutes.
The result would be welcome, but for many supporters, the team selection and individual performances will probably be of greater interest.
