Both sets of fans did themselves proud prior to kick-off this afternoon with a very well observed minute silence for the troops.
Walsall started pretty brightly, looking sharp whilst lacking in convincing threats.
A weak Mark Wilson effort and some scrappy play in the Exeter box from a corner were the only real talking points.
That is until youngster Jamie Paterson was tripped 20 yards out, Lonee Mark Wilson curled the resulting free kick into the back of the net.
Exeter came in to the game a little more after conceding, building up to the half time whistle, with Grof being partially tested a couple of times, but neither team summoning anything decisive.
HALF TIME: Exeter City 0 Walsall 1
Exeter started the second half the brighter of the two teams, with David Grof again showing why Jimmy Walker should struggle to regain his place, with some top saves.
Macken was replaced by Grigg, and Gnakpa made way for Taundry, over the next period of relatively uneventful play.
The game had descended into uninspiring scrappy football and Exeter kept threatening with no Walsall reply. It looked as though the Saddlers were going to hold on, until the referee called for a questionable four minutes of stoppage time. It was backs to the wall for the Saddler's (not for the first time), before Exeter man Noble hit an equaliser from 25 yards with seconds left to break Walsall hearts and force an unwanted replay.
RESULT: Exeter City 1 (Noble 90+4) Walsall 1 (Wilson 21')
By: Lee Hale