<\/p>\n
Walsall scraped past non-league Alfreton 1-0 as they nervously booked an FA Cup third-round trip to Southampton.<\/p>\n
The League Two side got off to a flier when they took just six minutes to score what proved to be the only goal of the game from Jamille Matt.<\/p>\n
Douglas James-Taylor\u2019s menacing run down the left opened up the non-league side\u2019s defence, skipper Donervon Daniels\u2019 miscued shot fell kindly and Matt kept his cool to score from close range.<\/p>\n
But there was no further breakthrough as Alfreton keeper George Willis made solid saves to deny Brandon Comley, Tom Knowles, Ryan Stirk and a James-Taylor header, while Matt twice should have done better in one-on-ones.<\/p>\n
In a first half of six bookings, including one for visiting boss Billy Heath, the visitors were starting to threaten a lot more as half-time approached. And the National League North side stepped it up after the break.<\/p>\n
Walsall had chances to seal it a bit more comfortably as James-Taylor hit a post with a wide angled chip, while Liam Gordon went close with a left-foot shot.<\/p>\n
But the closest either side came was a blocked shot from visiting skipper Shaun Brisley which span up over the bar \u2013 to ensure that it is Mat Sadler\u2019s Saddlers who go to St Mary\u2019s on January 6.<\/p>\n