Walsall analysis: Saddlers soar to new heights in Bolton FA Cup success

Mat Sadler spoke about making memories in the FA Cup prior to kick-off and Walsall delivered another famous occasion to continue the upward momentum building at the club. 

The passion throughout the squad was evident. Jamie Jellis ran tirelessly throughout and was rewarded for his perseverance with the winning goal in stoppage time which prompted wild scenes at Bescot. 

Tommy Simkin pumped his arms profusely in celebration towards the home supporters and Walsall celebrated in unison as a spine tingling fusion between the players and the fan base swept across the Black Country evening. 

Something special is in the air at Walsall. It's still too early to be getting carried away and Sadler will be guarding his squad from any risk of complacency but the confidence and belief in the team is propelling them to heady heights. 

Bolton became the latest League One victims at Bescot after Walsall dumped fellow third-tier outfits Exeter City and Huddersfield Town out of the EFL Cup earlier in the season. 

Add the inspired performances against Birmingham City and Premier League side Leicester City and Walsall are building a strong track record against higher opposition to consolidate their stellar start in the league. 

That can only help build momentum and confidence as the Saddlers look to continue their assault on the League Two promotion battle when they resume league action against Crewe Alexandra at Bescot later this week. 

Walsall did have to weather somewhat of an early storm from Bolton as Tommy Simkin expertly denied Dion Charles before George Johnston crashed his header against the post. 

But the hosts had chances to with Jellis clearly on a mission to continue his remarkable goal scoring form. He came close twice inside the opening 30 minutes and Walsall began to grow in confidence as they finished the half as the stronger side. 

Albert Adomah had a volley cleared off the line by Johnston and Walsall kept the attack alive with Nathan Lowe heading over from Adomah's eventual cross. 

Jellis drove a low effort narrowly wide of the left-hand bottom corner on the cusp of half-time and Walsall continued to probe after the break with a bright start to the second half. 

But they faced a setback in their quest to cause an upset when Josh Sheehan opened the scoring against the run of play. Harry Williams was booked for a late challenge on Scott Arfield and the Bolton midfielder curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out. 

Walsall have responded well to adversity in recent weeks after collecting eight points from four games since their freak 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Fleetwood Town last month. 

And they produced another strong response within five minutes of falling behind when Liam Gordon levelled the contest with a thumping half-volley against his former employers. 

Simkin's distribution played an instrumental role in both goals and his long ball from deep inside Walsall's half eventually found its way to Gordon who made no mistake with the finish. 

Ian Evatt brought on the cavalry with the introductions of John McAtee, Aaron Collins and Victor Adeboyejo but Walsall were in unstoppable form as they looked the side likeliest to emerge with the win. 

Jellis scooped another effort on to the post before Harry Williams was forced off after suffering a nasty collision with the advertising hoardings. There was great concern as the defender was down for sometime although he returned to his feet with a huge amount of blood pouring from his head. 

Sadler confirmed after full-time that Williams had gone to hospital in the aftermath but was understandably unable to provide an update on the severity of the injury. 

Donervon Daniels was introduced for the final 10 minutes for his first competitive appearance of the campaign while fellow substitute George Hall provided an injection of pace late on. 

Walsall cranked up the pressure for the final stretch with Taylor Allen and Connor Barrett drawing smart saves from Luke Southwood with powerful efforts from distance. 

Jamille Matt was added into the mix and provided an extra presence in the final third as Walsall chased a late winner. And it eventually arrived in the first of nine additional minutes when Jellis finally capped another superb display with a dramatic stoppage time decider. 

Lowe cushioned Simkin's long ball down midway inside the Bolton half and slotted a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the rampaging Jellis. He drove dangerously into the box before applying a calm finish beyond Luke Southwood to send Bescot into raptures. 

Jellis has scored three goals in his last four games as he continues to go from strength to strength in Walsall colours. His winning strike guided the Saddlers into the second round for the fourth season on the spin and added another memorable chapter to a special season so far.