Accrington 2 Walsall 1 - Verdict
Ten man Walsall were dumped out of the Carling Cup after Paul Mullin's 90th minute header saw Accrington through.
Rhys Weston's 35 minute red card, for two bookable offences, gave the Saddlers - despite already being 1-0 ahead thanks to Alex Nicholls - an uphill task.
A 52nd minute equaliser from Robert Grant handed the impetus to Stanley, who went through to the second round after an unmarked Mullin headed in Sean McConville's injury time cross.
Walsall boss Chris Hutchings handed Stephen Roberts his first start in nine months after his injury nightmare, after skipper Mark Hughes picked up a knock in training.
Richard Taundry, goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin and Nicholls also all started, as the Saddlers shuffled their pack for the cup.
In an even opening, Billy Kee headed over for the hosts, before Nicholls netted when he was left completely unmarked to volley in his first goal of the season after nine minutes.
Kee and Mullin came close for Stanley before Weston, already on a booking following his foul on John Miles, saw red when he scythed down Phil Edwards on the half-way line after 35 minutes.
But the Saddlers held their lead until the 52nd minute, when Gilmartin saved from Luke Joyce but Grant rifled in from 12 yards.
Sam Parkin and Miles both came close as the sides traded chances but, as the clock ticked into injury time, the Saddlers went to sleep and paid the ultimate price.
McConville was allowed all the time he needed on the left and he dropped a centre to Mullin – left dreadfully unmarked – to easily head past Gilmartin from six yards.
Accrington (4-4-2): Martin, King (Grant 50), Kempson, Edwards, Winnard, Ryan, Procter, Joyce, Miles, Kee (McConville 81), Mullin.
Walsall (4-4-2): Gilmartin, Weston, Roberts, Smith, Vincent, Taundry, Mattis, Richards, Jones (Deeney 55) Parkin, Nicholls.
Booked: Weston
Sent off: Weston
