Walsall progressed to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup after they edged past Darlington.

Caolan Lavery’s second half goal was enough to ensure the Saddlers set up a second-round tie with Oxford United in 10 days.

Darrell Clarke made two changes to the team that beat Cambridge United as Cameron Norman and Gary Liddle came in for Shay Facey and Alfie Bates.

The first chance of the game fell to Darlington as Stephen Thompson forced Roberts into a fine save with an arrowed shot from inside the box.

Walsall’s first meaningful effort on goal came after 15 minutes when Callum Cockerill-Mollett found Josh Gordon with a ball down the channel and striker cut inside, wrapped his boot around the ball but his effort went just over the bar.

Darlington were the livelier of the two sides as Walsall were made to defend in the first half but it ended goalless.

Walsall made a decent start to the second half and had a good chance on 57 minutes when Gordon found Lavery with a low cross but couldn’t quite convert.

The striker made no mistake with his next chance though as he headed in Rory Holden’s corner at the near post to give the Saddlers the lead.

The Saddlers saw more of the ball and looked in control after they scored.

In the end, the Saddlers saw the game out professionally and secured their place in the second round and secured their third consecutive win.