FA Cup: Own goal gives Fulham interval lead

A Tom Bennett own goal in the 43rd minute separates Walsall from Premiership side Fulham at half time in their FA Cup fifth round tie.

Walsall 0, Fulham 1 (half-time)

An own goal from Walsall skipper Tom Bennett gave Fulham the lead going into the second half of their FA Cup fifth round tie today.

Fulham stepped up the pace and Marlet headed just wide from Steed Malbranque’s corner.

Walsall however almost made the breakthrough when Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar miscued his clearance to Herivelto. He had a clear route to goal but from the edge of the area he steered his effort wide.

Fulham reacted positively and Marlet burst down the left and delivered a good cross into the box. Malbranque got away from his marker, only to flick a header wide of the post.

Walsall again found themselves on the back foot when Rufus Brevett played the ball in from the left and found Barry Hayles. But his first touch was poor and Walker was able to gather safely.

Herivelto was having no luck at all and was taken off after 34 minutes and replaced by Darren Byfield.

The Walsall striker found Leitao in the 42nd minute but his header only found the keeper’s arms.

But there was heartache for the home side a minute later when Tom Bennett knocked the ball past his own goalkeeper Walker as he tried to clear Malbranque’s free-kick.