Pictures and analysis as Walsall go out of the FA Cup on penalties

There is a familiar feeling at Walsall – one the Saddlers must shake or face making the same mistakes again.

A team and manager who defied the doubters last season must again convince the critics of their worth.

But confidence in them is eroding after an FA Cup penalty shoot-out exit against Dagenham – following a depressing goalless draw – last night.

It was a worrying flashback to last season's dark days and no amount of posturing could hide the failings.

Powerless, punchless and pointless, the shocking Saddlers turned in unjustifiably bad performance against a team who had lost nine League Two games on the bounce.

That they felt they should have had a penalty when Manny Smith was knocked out by a high foot was a moot point.

Walsall's protests masked their inadequacies – just days after a brave 1-1 draw with League One leaders Charlton.

Survival is the sole goal after their worst outing of the season and they have now failed to beat the Football League's bottom club twice.

Manager Dean Smith admitted weeks ago the pre-season optimism had dried up but, after last night, it has packed its bags, moved out and issued divorce proceedings.

The Saddlers boss himself will now come under closer scrutiny and, while his job isn't under immediate pressure, that will come if the slide continues.

The attendance – 1,802 – was just nine over the Banks's Stadium's record low. What they were rewarded with was scant consolation for their efforts.

It was hardly a surprise, as many question their loyalties when their team continue to trawl out performances of dubious quality with a backdrop of an absent owner.

There is no point re-hashing old ground, it won't lead to anything. But what is clear is that the Saddlers need help.

And the pressure will grow if the Saddlers fall at Chesterfield on Saturday. Walsall must deliver a performance of drive, passion and desire to erase the memories of last night.

A dire game was always destined for penalties and, once Alex Nicholls fired his spot-kick wide, the writing was on the wall.

Claude Gnakpa's shocking effort and Lee Beevers' deciding miss ended the Saddlers' hopes and left another gaping hole in their season.

Dagenham – who are below the country's crisis club Plymouth – were the better side for much of the contest.

Two smart, early saves from goalkeeper Jimmy Walker thwarted Abu Ogogo and Brian Woodall.

Oliver Lancashire – on his 23rd birthday – then limped out with a hamstring injury as the Saddlers' evening continued to falter.

Peter Gain fired over immediately after the break, but a turgid game became worse with Smith's injury 12 minutes from time.

The defender was knocked-out by an errant high kick and players from both sides immediately signalled the serious nature of the injury.

Seven minutes of treatment ended with the defender being carried off – although he was sitting up when he left the field.

The Saddlers faced 40-odd minutes with 10 men as extra-time passed without note before their penalty despair – despite Jon Macken and George Bowerman's successes.

It left Walsall to concentrate on the league.

By Nick Mashiter

Follow Walsall correspondent Nick Mashiter on Twitter @nickmashiter.