Perry Moss scored a brace as Walsall reached the second round of the FA Cup with a battling victory away at Coventry City.
The midfielder put the Saddlers in front in the opening 10 minutes before the Sky Blues equalised through George Burroughs.
Moss’ second on the stroke of half time proved to be the decisive goal as the Saddlers saw out the second half.
The Saddlers got off to the perfect start and took the lead after just six minutes when Moss reacted quickly after Luke Pearce’s shot was saved and the ball became loose.
Their lead didn’t last long though as the hosts equalised seven minutes later after they failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Burroughs who struck from the edge of the box.
Walsall responded well to Coventry’s equaliser and created a couple of opportunities through Joe Willis and Jayden Campbell.
Miguel Llera’s men restored their lead on the stroke of half-time when Moss scored his second of the game with an absolute cracker from 25-yards.
The second half didn’t see as much goal-mouth action. Coventry’s best chance to level came with 20 minutes to go when Jacob Raine’s header dropped just wide of the target.
Walsall’s best chance of the second half came in the final 10 minutes when Joe Willis was set up by Saif Mukadam but the midfielder skied his effort.
Coventry were handed a fantastic opportunity to level with just five minutes to go when they were awarded a penalty.
Will Bapaga stepped up but Dominic Rogerson guessed the right way and pulled off a fine save to preserve Walsall’s lead.
The Saddlers held firm, despite Joe Foulkes receiving a second yellow card in added time, to advance to the second round of the competition.
Saddlers line-up: Rogerson (GK), Foulkes, Lynch, Perry, Zona, Dallywaters, Moss (Francis), Willis, Pearce (McSkeane), Campbell (Sharp), Mukadam.
Subs: Jackson (GK), Perry, Taylor, Hunter.