Walsall progressed to the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy after a 1-0 win over Rushden at Bescot tonight. Jorge Leitao scrambled home a 75th minute winner after Matty Fryatt’s drive had been parried by keeper Billy Turley. It could have been more, as player manager Paul Merson struck the bar with a late chip. The Saddlers were also indebted to keeper Mark Paston, who dived to his left to save David Bell’s first half spot kick.