JAMES HAND helped himself to a double in a thrilling Town Reserves display at the Galpharm.

The home side were dominant throughout the Pontin's Holidays League Central Division clash with Adnan Ahmed in imperious form in the centre of midfield, and went ahead in the 13th minute.

An excellent move involving Ahmed and Daniel Racchi released Lucas Akins.

He turned Mannie Smith inside out before picking out John McAliskey, whose left-foot shot was blocked.

The loose ball fell to Hand, who delicately placed his right-foot shot into the far corner with the aid of a deflection.

Town fans didn't have to wait too long for another chance, as a clever ball over the top from Ahmed on 26 minutes set up McAliskey, who rattled a post.

A minute later, John Dungworth's side were 2-0 to the good thanks to a superlative drive from Hand.

A Matty Young knockdown allowed Hand to let fly from 25 yards and his shot flew into the top corner.

Against the run of play, Walsall halved the deficit five minutes later with a terrific long-range shot by Graham Deaken.

However Town were always in control and could have extended their lead in the second period as Akins, Hand and McAliskey all tested Betrand Bossu, the Walsall keeper.

The win was sewn up on 68 minutes when Akins deservedly got on the scoresheet.

Hand whipped an inch-perfect cross into the danger zone and Akins was on hand to volley home from eight yards.

In stoppage time, Walsall almost narrowed the gap when substitute Carlton Davis sent a header goalwards.

The striker was denied by an acrobatic save by Paul Rachubka.

It was a first win in eight games for Town's second string.

Town: Rachubka, Hardy (Berrett, HT), Codman, Ahmed, Mirfin, Wilson, Racchi, Young (Bailey HT), McAliskey, Akins (Hallam, 74mins), Hand. Subs not used: Eastwood, Broadbent.