Content area
Full Text
TWO of Walsall's promising teenagers grabbed the glory with goals on their debuts in a dramatic LDV Vans Trophy second round win over promotion rivals Wigan at Bescot Stadium last night.
Gary Birch and Ian Gaunt, both 19, usually play for the reserves in front of about 50 people and the club cat, but what an impact they made as manager Ray Graydon gave them their big chance and the Saddlers earned a trip to Stoke City in the next round.
Striker Birch, once trailed by Derby County, burst through to hammer a superb left-foot drive into the roof of the net from 25 yards a minute from half time, and YTS trainee Gaunt poached a stoppage-time winner.
And they were not the only kids on the block. Dion Scott, Mark Wright, Karl Hawley and Matthew Gadsby were all given a taste of first team football in a team showing 11 changes from Saturday.
Gadsby, 21, who had started only two other matches in the senior side, and those in defence, was outstanding in midfield...