Walsall 1 Sheffield United 0 - Report
It wasn't a classic and the crowd was disappointing but no matter, Walsall are just three games from history.
Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the Banks's, courtesy of a rare headed goal from Romaine Sawyers, means the Saddlers are just two rounds away from a first-ever Wembley appearance.
It might only be the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, a competition which clearly fails to capture the imagination of supporters judging by the gate. But should Dean Smith's men successfully negotiate next month's Area semi-final and a two legged Area final, nobody will be complaining.
Victory extended the current unbeaten run to four games and progress in this competition gives further creed to the feeling this is a season finally getting off the ground.
The only concern for Smith will be the hamstring strain which forced top scorer Tom Bradshaw off at half-time but even then, the manager will have been heartened by the performance of his replacement Mathieu Manset.
While Blades boss Nigel Clough rang the changes, six to be precise, Smith's team selection demonstrated how seriously he was taking the competition. There was just one change from the side which drew 2-2 with Shrewsbury on Saturday as the fit again Jordan Cook replaced James Baxendale on the wing.
A busy start saw little in the way of quality until ten minutes in when Sawyers nodded a long ball into the path of Bradshaw who immediately swept it forward to send Cook clean through. The forward looked certain to test Iain Turner in the Blades goal but a poor touch and a fine recovering challenge from Chris Basham robbed him of the opportunity.
It was the Saddlers who were quicker to settle and Bradshaw had a shot blocked before a spate of bookings which saw visiting defenders Harrison McGahey and Bob Harris shown yellow cards by referee David Coote for holding back Bradshaw and Cook respectively, while Walsall midfielder Michael Cain entered the book for a late challenge.
There were half-chances for the hosts, with Bradshaw missing his kick from 12 yards following a low Anthony Forde corner.
But it was the Blades who were the first to register an effort on target, with Louis Reed firing in a low effort from 20 yards out which was relatively comfortable for keeper Richard O'Donnell.
As the visitors grew in confidence, Craig Alcock flashed a shot wide after venturing down the right wing.
Bradshaw was lacking support in the final third but had a great chance to break the deadlock three minutes before the break when Cain's lofted ball over the top sent him clear. With no flag for offside, the Saddlers top scorer looked to have a clear run at goal but was just beaten to the ball by onrushing Blades keeper Iain Turner.
He would at least test Turner with a low shot before the half-time whistle did arrive, while Forde also skewed a shot wide.
Bradshaw exited at the break to be replaced by Manset but it was the Blades who had the first attempt of the second half, with Harris blasting a low free-kick just wide of the far post.
Ten minutes into the half, the Saddlers were ahead with a goal which arrived right after their best move of the match. A brisk exchange of passes ended with Cook having a strike deflected wide from the edge of the box and from the corner, Sawyers dashed to the near post to glance Forde's delivery home.
With their noses in front, the hosts set about trying to find a quickfire second and Manset nearly provided it, with a rasping drive which Turner was forced to punch clear after fine work by Adam Chambers had created the chance.
Then came what appeared a huge stroke of luck for the hosts when Chris Porter, clean through on goal, went down under the challenge of O'Donnell. All eyes turned to referee Coote, who gave no signal and the Saddlers breathed again.
Reed sent O'Donnell diving to his left to keep out a long-range effort and hearts were soon in mouths yet again when Andy Taylor completely miskicked an attempted clearance under the shadow of his own crossbar, with the keeper diving relieved on the loose ball.
Manset had the chance to seal it as the clock ticked inside 20 minutes to go after a lovely move but his attempted chip, after being sent through on goal, cleared the bar. Fellow substitute Sam Mantom then nearly provided him with a tap-in only for the recovering Basham to make a vital last-ditch interception.
Turner also tipped Ashley Grimes curling shot round the post as the game entered the final five minutes.
Walsall (4-2-3-1): O'Donnell 6, Purkiss 7, Downing 7, Chambers J 7, Taylor 6, Cain 6 (Mantom 71 7), Chambers A 8, Cook 6 (Grimes 71 6), Sawyers 7, Forde, Bradshaw 6 (Manset HT 7) Subs not used: O'Connor, MacGillivray (gk).
Sheff U (4-3-3): Turner, Alcock, McGahey, Basham, Harris, Reed, Doyle (c), McGinn (Scougall 79), De Girolamo (Campbell-Ryce 83), Porter (Baxter 79), Flynn Subs not used: Kennedy, Howard (gk).
Referee: David Coote.
Att: 2,127.
