Liam Kinsella proves to be the difference as Walsall edge past Sunderland

Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2018 by PA

Liam Kinsella’s wonder strike earned Walsall a 1-0 win at Sunderland and a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Saddlers will go to Bolton in the next stage after becoming only the second side to win at the Stadium of Light this season.

The game was a largely drab affair until Kinsella’s rare moment of real quality in the 53rd minute.

After a 1-1 draw in the midlands, following a 2-2 Sky Bet League One draw a week earlier, there was again little between the sides.

The Black Cats offered little in front of goal, finding it hard to break an organised visiting defence.

Josh Gordon got away on the left wing and after cutting back inside fired a effort on target but home goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin did well to deny the forward.

McLaughlin repeated the trick from another close-range Gordon effort after the Sunderland defence was cut open oncemore.

The key moment came after 53 minutes as Kinsella took possession 25 yards out before firing a powerful shot past the Sunderland goalkeeper.

The returning Duncan Watmore had Sunderland’s only offering of note, but his curling shot was deflected wide as Jack Ross’ side now turn their attentions to league action.