WALSALL 2-1 VILLA

Left back Bennett opened the scoring inside four minutes, heading Paul Merson’s short corner past Sorensen in the Villa goal. Ten minutes later, Wrack latched onto former Villain Mark Kinsella’s through ball and slotted in Walsall’s second.

Richard McKinney then preserved our two goal lead with a stunning reflex stop to deny Thomas Hitzlsperger. The Walsall shot stopper may be unable to kick straight but made countless stunning saves and now looks certain to start against Port Vale.

Leroy Williams, 17, then replaced the injured Gary Birch and went on to produce a fabulous performance. Williams always looked lively; he loves to run at defences and provided Mellberg and Laursen with a constant threat.

Bazeley was forced to clear a Gareth Barry header off the line as Villa pressed forward before McKinney denied Hitzlsperger from distance (65) and then Hendrie (72). Laursen then saw a header cleared off the line before McKinney – in inspired form – saved Solano’s free kick.

Villa did grab a consolation on 88, as Laursen headed home a Hitzslperger corner but Walsall held on.

McKinney produced several stunning saves, Emblen looked strong as usual, trialist Joe Broad looked steady in midfield and Leroy Williams impressed up front – things at Bescot are suddenly looking brighter.

WALSALL; McKinney, Bazeley (Willetts), Roper (Dann), Emblen (Dakinah), Bennett (K Taylor), Wrack, Broad, Kinsella (D Taylor), Merson (Wright), Birch (Williams), Leitao (Corica)