Ray Graydon made a change from Saturday’s victory over Wigan as Pedro
Matias replaced the injured Darren Wrack as the Saddlers progressed into the second round of the Worthington Cup against local rivals,
Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough.

The game, much hyped by local media, failed to spark into life as the Saddlers shared equal amounts of possesion although they had the majority of the goal scoring opportunities. Brett Angell should have converted a free header on eight minutes, and got another head at goal on 17 minutes repelled by Stuart Brock, as Walsall maintained a period of 20 minute pressure.

On 25 minutes Walsall nearly scored from consecutive corners, and the third nearly saw Pedro Matias score a fluke goal when his inswinging cross was misjudged by the keeper but missed the far post by inches.

Angell came close for the visitors before the home side registered their first effort on 34 minutes but the weak Hadley header was easily collected by Walker. Walsall continued to play well without looking on top form, with Tillson and Keates coming in for special praise, both with biting performances when others looked tired.

Barry Horne blazed over the bar, and left-back Zigor Aranalde was booked for a mistimed tackle as the half ended goal-less.

The second half was similar to the first with Harriers having more possesion whilst the Saddlers always looked more likely to score. But it was the Harriers who found the net on 61 minutes when Hadley headed home a deep free-kick, however the Kiddie striker who scored at Bescot was adjudged to have pushed a defender and the goal was disallowed.

Walsall were shook into action and spawned several chances but lacked that final bit of bite, as Angell twice squandered opporetunities in the box as Aranalde and Matias exposed Harriers right flank. On 81 minutes Darren Byfield replaced Jorge Leitao and within three minutes he had won the tie for Walsall.

Byfield collected the ball 20 yards out after a defensive mistake gave Brett Angell the chance to charge down the keepers clearance. As the goalkeeper scampered back to his goal he was greeted by the sight of Byfield’s delightful chip dipping past the underside of the bar.

As full time beckoned both teams came close, but Walsall were deservedly the winners against a Kidderminster side who can be proud of giving Walsall their toughest ties of the season thus far.

Walsall travel to Bury this Saturday for a second versus first tie where Saddlers can gain an eight point lead of Division Two.