GroundHog Day: Walsall 0-3 Middlesbrough

Saddlers were knocked out the of Carling Cup in the first round last night, after Saturday's goal hero Adam Chambers was sent off in the 12th minute.

The match was full of promise after Walsall cruised to a opening day victory on Saturday.

After a slow start, the game was thrown Boro's way after Adam Chambers was shown a straight red card for a two footed challenge. He will receive a three match ban and a severe ticking off no doubt.

Walsall now had to struggle with ten men and it was an uphill battle from there on in. They were in high spirits and were trying to get into the game, but the league difference was too much for them.

Manager Dean Smith swapped Midfielder Anton Peterlin for his Walsall debut in replace of defender Claude Gnapka.

On 17 minutes Walsall were behind, Marvin Emnes slipped through the defence and slotted home. 0-1.

Richard Taundry saw a smashing go wide but Middlesbroough got a second on 37 minutes. Justin Hoyte crossed to Marvin Emnes who did the honours for his second goal of the game. 0-2.

Walsall were struggling big time and hopes for a second round clash were becoming a distant memory.

Richard Taundry took a free kick on the stroke of half time but he blasted it way over the goal.

Half time saw a change with Nicholls coming on for Macken.

Just five minutes into the final 45 minutes, Middlesbrough scored their third with a penalty.

Kevan Hurst committed a foul inside the area and Emnes stepped up to coolly get his hat-trick. 0-3.

The game was officially killed off as Walsall simply tried not to concede any further and they managed to keep the score 0-3.

19 year old George Bowerman came on for Ryan Jarvis on 80 minutes to make his Walsall debut.

That was that, hopes dashed and Walsall leave the Carling Cup at the first hurdle yet again. Walsall were hungry and worked hard to get into the game but to no avail.

However, things may be different when they return to league 1 as there were glimmers of hope in their attitude and workrate despite the scoreline.

It's also a real blow to lose Adam Chambers for three games as he will inevitably become a massive part of the team.

We now look ahead to Saturday's trip to Hartlepool.

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