Gateshead 0-2 Walsall: Daniel Kanu and Aden Flint on target as Saddlers avoid FA Cup upset

Walsall produced a display full of grit and endeavour as they avoided an FA Cup upset with a 2-0 win at National League strugglers Gateshead.

The Saddlers always appeared to be in control against a home side struggling at the bottom end of non-league’s top tier and they got the lead they deserved just after the midway point of the first half.

Daniel Kanu was the man to open the scoring as the forward converted from the penalty spot after home captain Kenton Richardson had upended Ryan Finnigan in the area.

A second goal arrived just two minutes into the second half when veteran defender Aden Flint directed a cross from the left beyond Gateshead goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks.

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Professional performance

That was enough to allow the Saddlers to coast through the second 45 minutes to secure their place in the third round – although their manager felt their win in the North East could have been more comfortable.

Speaking after the win, Mat Sadler said: “It was a very, very good performance. I thought would could have scored more.

“Maybe the only disappointment was, after we scored, we maybe breathed a little bit and took our foot off it after we got the first.

“The players did what we needed to do today. It was a very professional performance.”

Match action

The League Two leaders wasted two golden opportunities to give themselves an early lead in the North East as Jamille Matt and Flint both sent efforts off target inside the opening 15 minutes.

However, those chances proved to be temporary reprieves for their National League hosts.

A Kanu penalty put the Saddlers into a deserved lead midway through the half after Heed skipper Richardson brought Finnigan down, prompting referee James Oldham to point to the spot.

Second half

That lead was doubled inside the opening three minutes of the second half when veteran defender Flint diverted an Evan Weir free-kick beyond home shotstopper Brooks.

With the heavy rain still battering the International Stadium pitch, it was the higher-ranked side that always seemed more likely to grab the third goal of the game as their non-league hosts laboured in front of the home faithful.

Saddlers substitute Jamie Jellis and Albert Adomah both let opportunities pass them by within five minutes of their arrival – but it mattered little as Sadler’s side had already done the hard work and can now look forward to Monday’s third-round draw.

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