Teenager Martin Paterson was spot-on with a fine hat-trick to fire a very young reserve side to victory at the Bescot Stadium.

Two of his strikes were penalties as City kept Walsall at arm's length.

The third was a clinical finish after good approach work from trialist Leroy Williams, playing against his former club.

A youthful Potters squad included two 21-year-olds, four aged 18, six 17-year-olds and four aged 16. So new assistant manager Jan De Koning invited Academy manager Noel Blake to share touchline duties, and the duo succeeded in guiding the youngsters to a deserved win.

Paterson, who enjoyed three substitute appearances in the first-team in the final games of last season, struck first on 30 minutes from a penalty after Norbert Zsivozcky was brought down by the home 'keeper.

The Saddlers equalised shortly before half-time, but on the hour Williams powered down the wing and sent in a superb pullback, which Paterson was on hand to convert from close range.

Shortly afterwards, Paterson was fouled in the box and duly converted his second spot-kick to increase the lead. Although Walsall snatched a goal back, it proved too little too late.

Although goalkeeper Robert Duggan was kept quite busy, our youngsters produced a solid team performance, and were generally in control of the match, especially in the second half, when De Koning was pleased to see our passing improve significantly.

Skipper Andy Wilkinson was once again superb in marshalling our back-line, while Josh Wilson looked promising at right back and the hard-working Adam Vass was tireless in midfield.