Romaine Sawyers scored the only goal as Walsall beat Sheffield United 1-0 in the Northern section quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this evening.

Jordan Cook tried to create some early pressure for the home side, while Diego de Girolamo did the majority of the early pressing for the Blades, but neither side created much in the first half.

Walsall won a corner early in the second half as Cook continued to run at the Sheffield defence, but it was Sawyers who found the back of the net when his sliced effort was deflected in from the set piece.

Mathieu Manset came close to doubling their advantage a few minutes later after he carved out some space on the edge of the box, but Iain Turner made the save.

Chris Porter wanted a penalty down the other end shortly after when he collided with Richard O'Donnell while pressing for an equaliser, but the referee was not interested in his appeal.

Nigel Clough's men continued to dominate the possession for a spell, but struggled to really test the Walsall keeper again.

Jose Baxter came off the bench late on in a last-gasp attempt by the visitors to find the equaliser, but his only effort was flicked well wide inside the final five minutes, ensuring that Walsall held on for victory.