THE SADDLERS' Carling Cup campaign kicked off on a pleasant August evening.

2 - An early corner came back to Steve Jones who linked up with Richard Taundry and as a shooting opportunity opened up in front of him, he blazed wide of the target.

4 - A quick throw out by Jonny Brain set Steve Jones away and he found Darren Byfield on the right. His inviting low ball into the middle was cleared by Liam Darville ahead of the awaiting Alex Nicholls as Walsall started the brighter of the two teams in the opening exchanges.

6 - Steve Jones cut inside from the right and hit a powerful shot that was straight at Joe Collister in the visitors' goal.

28 - Some brave Tranmere defending kept The Saddlers at bay as Darryl Westlake's effort from just outside the area was blocked.

34- Darren Byfield did well on the left, twisting and turning before feeding Aaron Lescott who in turn picked out Julian Gray but he dragged his effort wide.

37 - A teasing cross by Julian Gray found the head of Manny Smith who was up from the back to make his presence felt, but his effort failed to trouble the 'keeper.

39 - Visitors took the lead when a free-kick was delivered high into the area as Enoch Showunmi headed the ball back towards the towering frame of Ian Goodison who was on hand to plant a header home beyond Jonny Brain.

Half-time: Walsall 0 Tranmere Rovers 1

47 - Controversy as Tranmere won a free-kick and as they hesitated, Darren Byfield nipped in claiming the ball had been touched and run from his own half towards goal before setting up Alex Nicholls who found himself in space only for Joe Collister to block his effort. The visiting players were livid and surrounded the referee.

51 - A corner for the visitors saw no-one pick up Paul McLaren's run and his powerful header flew inches over.

59 - Darren Byfield blazed over as Walsall searched for a way back into the game.

65 - Double substitution as Will Grigg came on for Alex Nicholls and Paul Marshall made his first senior outing for the club to replace Richard Taundry.

68 - Aaron Lescott threaded through Steve Jones who took the ball on but his final effort was weak and easily gathered by Joe Collister.

78 - Saddlers escaped when Jonny Brain failed to claim a cross under pressure from Enoch Showunmi, but the loose ball was eventually cleared to safety. Brain then had to be alert to block from Ian Thomas-Moore who was played in from a quick free-kick.

87 - Neat move down the right ended with Darren Byfield trying his luck only for his attempt to be blocked. The ball rebounded to Paul Marshall whose low strike from distance was saved by Joe Collister.

88 - Clayton McDonald was introduced in place of Darryl Westlake and added his vast aerial presence to the attack.

90 - As Tranmere looked to hold onto their lead by keeping the ball, a shooting chance opened up for John Welsh whose screamer was held by Jonny Brain.

Full-time: Walsall 0 Tranmere Rovers 1

PHOTOS: John Crowe