Walsall had to settle for just a single point to being their Leasing.com Trophy campaign as they were beaten 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw with Coventry City.

The Saddlers had the better of the opportunities, with Elijah Adebayo coming close twice for the visitors.

Darrell Clarke made seven changes to the side that lost to Grimsby Town at the weekend.

Jack Rose and Shay Facey made their debuts for the Saddlers while Liam Kinsella, Josh Gordon, Danny Guthrie, Alfie Bates and Zak Jules also came into the side.

The first chance fell to Coventry. Former Walsall striker Amadou Bakayoko dispossessed Gary Liddle on the by-line and he cut it back to Callum O’Hare who shot first time but a deflection just took it wide.

The Saddlers grew into the game and had their first chance on 21 minutes when Adebayo latched onto the ball 20-yards out and unleashed a wicked half-volley which Ben Wilson tipped over the bar.

The former Fulham striker was Walsall’s most threatening player in the first half and he forced Wilson into another fine save with a curling shot from the corner of the area.

Walsall made a strong start to the second half and missed a glorious chance on 57 minutes. Danny Guthrie floated in a corner which Adebayo headed back across to Josh Gordon who headed over the bar from close range.

The visitors looked the more likely out of the two. Rory Gaffney came on for his Saddlers debut on 66 minutes.

Another chance came and went for Walsall in the final 10 minutes as a Cameron Norman corner came in and eventually fell to Bates on the edge of the area but he blazed his shot over.

The game then went to penalties to decide who would take home the bonus point.

The Saddlers lost 5-4 on penalties. Gaffney and Adebayo missed early on however Bakayoko and Kyle McFadzean failed to score for the hosts.

With the shootout level at 4-4, Liam Kinsella failed to convert while Tennai Watson found the net as Coventry took home the bonus point.