The Saddlers failed to overcome Torquay at Plainmoor today, hindered by the dismissal of defender Ian Roper after only 39 minutes. Paul Merson made one change from the Saddlers’ last league encounter, bringing in Michael Standing for young winger Daryl Taylor. Zigor Aranalde returned on the bench after impressing in midweek Carling Cup action.
Stuart Noble, on loan from Fulham, came close for the Gulls before Roper picked up his second red card of the season following two bookings.
Merse replaced Matty Fryatt at half time and the Saddlers fared much better after the break, with Michael Standing missing a sitter and Merson firing a free kick just wide. Jorge Leitao also headed just wide for the Saddlers, for whom Mark Paston did well to deny Martin Gritton on several occasions.
Walsall: Paston, Bazeley, Roper, Emblen, Bennett, Kinsella, Osborn, Standing, Wrack, Leitao, Fryatt. Subs: McKinney, Aranalde, Merson, Daryl Taylor, Broad.

Meanwhile, Walsall have been drawn at home to League Two side Rushden and Diamonds in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy, southern section. The match will be played in the week beginning Sept 27th. Incidentally, the sides have never met before.