Results - Walsall v Men's First Team - 2025/07/22

Derby County gained more valuable pre-season minutes in a well-contested run-out against Sky Bet League Two side Walsall which ended 3-2 to the Rams at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Tuesday night.

The game was Derby’s third of pre-season as they get ready for the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship campaign - which begins against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday 9th August.

Walsall went ahead through Vincent Harper’s header in the 10th minute before forward Kayden Jackson’s calm finish equalled the scores in the 39th minute - his second goal in as many pre-season games.

Jonny Stuttle restored the goal advantage for the hosts moments before the half-time break - which was again negated as winger Corey Blackett-Taylor struck from the penalty spot in the 61st minute.

The Rams played the final 20 minutes of the match with a youthful side, as 10 changes were made in the 70th minute.

Academy striker Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu made it 3-2 to Derby in the 76th minute as he was alert in the box to convert from close range to seal the victory.

Key Moments

Midfielder Ebou Adams looked to have played a mobile Jackson in behind for Derby in the third minute, but an alert sliding challenge by Saddlers defender Rico Browne prevented Jackson from going one-on-one with the home goalkeeper.

Walsall’s first effort of the game came in the ninth minute when Aaron Pressley’s attempt to curl the ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area sailed just wide of the post.

The hosts, however, took the lead moments later when Browne’s pinpoint cross to the far post was nodded into the net by Harper.

Craig Forsyth looked to spot Blackett-Taylor as he ran through the half-space and towards the penalty area in the 17th minute for the Rams. The winger took control of the ball, but the danger was swiftly extinguished by Walsall, who cleared.

The Rams fought a physical battle up top with Kemar Roofe, Adams and Jackson looking to fashion chances, but being well marshalled by the Saddlers' defence – which included on loan Derby Academy defender Daniel Cox.

Derby hit back as Jackson was slotted in down the right by Roofe, who dropped to receive the ball and flicked it onto the winger in the 39th minute. Jackson coolly dispatched a left-footed effort below the goalkeeper to level the match.

It didn't stay level for long as Stuttle dispossessed defender Danny Batth in the 43rd minute and performed a tidy turn-and-finish to make it 2-1 to Walsall just before the half-time whistle blew.

Head Coach John Eustace’s only change at the break was to bring Under-18s striker Ebuka Agbawodikeizu into the fray, replacing Roofe.

Goalkeeper Josh Vickers made a reaction save from Jamie Jellis’ attempt in the 53rd minute. The midfielder received the ball inside the box after a sharp run from Harper down the right flank.

Blackett-Taylor’s marauding run down the left won the Rams a penalty on the hour mark that he converted well, going high and to the goalkeeper’s right.

Derby rang the changes in the 70th minute with all but half-time substitute Agbawodikeizu departing the field and that meant a much younger side lined up for the final 20 minutes.

The Rams took the lead for the first time in the 76th minute when Freddie Turley’s cross to the back post found Tristan Gill, who headed the ball back into the danger zone where a lively Agbawodikeizu was there to steer it home from close range.

A free-kick from deep by Jack Perry almost saw Gill increase the lead in the 81st minute - but his header was saved by Sam Horby in the Saddlers' goal in the last meaningful moment of action.

Next up for Derby is a short trip across the A38 to face League One side Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium in their latest friendly on Saturday (3pm kick-off).