Walsall debrief: Another cup run, squad depth, DJ at the death and Hornby's heroics

Danny Johnson forced penalties with a memorable 97th-minute equaliser to cancel out Tyler Sackey's opener 18 minutes from time. 

Reading were reduced to nine-men in the second half, after goalkeeper David Button was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on George Hall, before Ashqar Ahmed was dismissed for two bookable offences.

Walsall had numerous chances to put the game to bed in normal time with Albert Adomah and Johnson missing gilt-edged chances in the first half. 

But Sam Hornby made a pair of saves in the shoot-out as Walsall converted all four spot-kicks with Reyes Cleary crashing home the decider.

Another cup run 

Walsall may have been dumped out of the FA Cup in the second round following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Charlton Athletic but that remains their only defeat in seven games against League One opposition this season. 

They reached the third round of the League Cup for the first time since 2015 earlier in the campaign and booked their place in the EFL Trophy round of 16 for the first time since 2019-20. 

The Saddlers have not progressed to the quarter-final since finishing runners-up under Dean Smith in 2015 and the momentum generated from the recent cup runs will only help them in their quest for promotion.

Here, we look at the main talking points from Walsall's latest cup victory.

Squad depth 

Sadler made eight changes and further demonstrated the depth across the squad by fielding the experience of Donervon Daniels, Albert Adomah and Danny Johnson. 

Rico Browne and Evan Weir also took a rare chance to impress and George Hall showcased once again why he is likely to be such a key figure for the rest of the campaign. 

It was also an important night for some of the players not involved with David Okagbue, Harry Williams, Ryan Stirk and Jamille Matt handed a rest ahead of a hectic festive fixture schedule.

DJ of the night 

Johnson may not have started a league game since January but his impact in the EFL Trophy has been crucial this term. 

The 31-year-old has scored twice in three starts in this competition and netted a dramatic equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. 

Walsall had 33 attempts on a night which threatened to end in defeat. However, late goals are becoming something of a habit, especially at Bescot, with 12 of Walsall's 13 goals in the final 15 minutes across all competitions coming on home soil. 

Three of Johnson's four goals this term have come after the 85th-minute mark which further underlines his ability to score important goals.

Hornby heroics 

Hornby was guilty of spilling the ball inside the box before Sackey stabbed home Reading's opener although Sadler felt the goalkeeper was fouled. 

However, Hornby proved heroic once again in the shoot-out to add another chapter to his EFL Trophy journey this term. 

He saved three penalties in the shoot-out success over Birmingham and denied Kristian Sekularac in the dying stages to secure a 1-0 win against Fulham under-21s.

And Hornby produced a pair of penalty stops to thwart Jayden Wareham and Charlie Wellens to help Walsall progress to the next round.