After finishing runners-up in the group stage, Matthew Taylor's side were brawn away to Cambridge United in Round Two, with the team looking to emulate the class of 2015, which reached the final at Wembley Stadium.
Despite dominating the opening fifteen minutes of the game, where they created a hatful of goal-scoring opportunities, the Saddlers ultimately fell behind as Sam Smith converted from the spot following a rather rash challenge in the area.
The Saddlers were gifted an opportunity to level the scores with around ten minutes of the first-half remaining but couldn't take advantage as Kieran Phillips' spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper McKenzie-Lyle.
Sadly for Walsall, they were unable to secure a spot in the Third Round as the hosts went on to double their lead with ten minutes of normal time remaining as second-half substitute Shilow Tracey took advantage of some sloppy defending to put his side through.
EFL TROPHY - ROUND TWO
|
CUFC
|
2-0
|
WFC
|
Smith [P] (18') Tracey (80')
|
51
|
POSS. (%)
|
49
|
6
|
SHOTS
|
16
|
2
|
AT GOAL
|
7
|
6
|
CORNERS
|
8
|
13
|
FOULS
|
11
|
| 2 |
BOOKED
|
2
|
0
|
SENT OFF
|
0
|
VENUE
|
The Abbey Stadium
|
ATTENDANCE
|
718 (104)
|
REFEREE
|
Will Finnie
|
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
McKenzie-Lyle; Iredale 🟨 (Dunk, 62'), Smith (Tracey, 62'), Okedina, Weir, Simper 🟨 (Digby, 73'), Lankester (Brophy, 74'), Masterson, Knibbs, Worman (Yearn, 90'), Bennett
Unused: Mitov; May
WALSALL
Rose; 🟨 White (Mills, 60'), Monthé 🟨, Taylor, Khan; Kinsella (Bates, 83'), Earing (Willock, 73'); Wilkinson (Miller, 60'), Osadebe (Perry, 83'), Shade; Phillips
Unused: Rushworth; Leak