Walsall 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Albion are out of the Capital One League Cup after losing to League One Walsall. Chris O’Grady missed a penalty that would have given the Seagulls a late lead.
There was an impeccably observed period of silence as a tribute to the victims of the Shoreham airshow disaster before kick-off as there was at every match in the country.
The Saddlers had quite a few early chances with Albion keeper Niki Maenpaa required to make some routine saves.
The recalled Lewis Dunk made an excellent saving tackle on Kieron Morris as Walsall pressed Albion.
Jake Forster-Caskey for Albion and the impressive Milan Lalkovic for Walsall went close before Forster-Caskey was brought down for a penalty which he duly dispatched himself to give Albion a half-time lead.
Jamie Murphy and Solly March were performing well for Albion, March teeing up Rohan Ince although his shot was off target.
Then with 25 minutes left a mistake by Dunk allowed Lalkovic to get behind him and equalise.
Soon after Maenpaa brilliantly pushed away an effort from Morris. Then came the pivotal moment of the match.
Chris O’Grady won a penalty for Albion and took the kick himself, blazing his effort clean over the bar with 20 minutes left.
Tomer Hemed replaced O’Grady soon after.
It was 18-year-old Rico Henry who scored a well-taken winner with just four minutes left.
All Albion had to left offer was a Sam Baldock chance in stoppage time but Walsall keeper Neil Etheridge palmed his lob away.
Albion now travel to Portman Road this Saturday (29 August) to take on leaders Ipswich Town in a top of the table clash.
