Darren Robinson
BBC Radio Derby summariser & ex-Derby coach

Image source, Getty Images

Walsall are just starting to build pressure and turn the screw.

They are trying to use their extra fitness and full-time status to their advantage.

Ball floated from right to left for Isaac Hutchinson to chase for Walsall.

He cuts inside and looks to find the far corner with his right boot but shoots straight at the goalkeeper.

Then, a cross from the left finds Hutchinson again, this time his shot is blocked by the goalkeeper a long way off his line.

Alfreton can't get it clear and another effort comes in, this time from Tom Knowles, but again defenders are back in good numbers to block.

This time Walsall with a long throw.

And Alfreton get a taste of their own medicine.

The don't deal with it and it falls for Isaac Hutchinson for Walsall but on the turn he can only hook his shot high over the bar and off the property.

An early long throw from Adam Lund for Alfreton from the left.

It's flicked towards the near post and then bundled out for a corner.

The corner is swung in towards the six-yard box but doesn't fall for the home side.

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Players back out for the second half in Derbyshire.

The home side were under increasing pressure as the half wore on.

What might manager Billy Heath have said at the break?

Martin Keown
Former England defender on BBC Sport

I wonder at half-time, what will be said?

[The Alfreton fans] will want to see a bit more goalmouth action from their team, just to get them a bit livelier.

So another 45 minutes for either side to win this tie tonight. Then a replay if needed back in the West Midlands.

The prize is a third-round tie away at Championship side Southampton.

Darren Robinson
BBC Radio Derby summariser & ex-Derby coach

A really exciting cup tie, one that you can't take your eyes off.

It's been end to end. Walsall nearly got their perfect start after three minutes, possibly because Alfreton were a bit nervous and giddy, but thereafter they've grown into the game.

One thing is for sure, Mat Sadler in his team talk will not need to remind his players that they are firmly in a fixture right now.

An entertaining half.

Walsall with an early goal disallowed for a very soft foul on the goalkeeper.

And then a shot from Freddie Draper saved by the legs of George Willis in the home goal.

Alfreton threatened with long throws and a free header from Shaun Brisley straight at the keeper.

But the League Two side have been taking control and they had a close-range header from Ryan Stirk well-saved.

Two minutes added on at the end of the first half.

Sense that the hosts won't mind a breather.

Passing has been at a bit of a premium so far in this game but Walsall are just getting their foot on the ball and knocking it around a bit.

The work it down the left and then towards the top of the penalty area.

But then Ross Tierney's shot under pressure is high and wide.

Martin Keown
Former England defender on BBC Sport

That's a first-class save, just look at that for reflexes.

Good reactions from the keeper.

Great cross from the right for Walsall and Ryan Stirk stoops low at the far post to get his head to it.

It's a decent header but George Willis makes a strong save with two hands for Alfreton.

There's then a scramble in the six-yard box but a foul lets the home side off the hook.

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The Christmas lights on the houses over the far side of the ground are twinkling away, clearly visible over the very small stand that runs down one side of the pitch.

Both sets of fans in open terraces behind each goal.

And no doubt both enjoying this cup tie.

Things have settled in the last 10 minutes but both sides have had their moments.

Nice run down the right from Walsall winger Tom Knowles.

He skips past his man and into space for the cross.

It's a delicious ball across the face of goal but two white shirts coming in at the far post can't quite get to it.

Darren Robinson
BBC Radio Derby summariser & ex-Derby coach

They're knocking on the door now Alfreton.

That was the best chance of the game for them. A good opening.

It's been end-to-end, and such an exciting game for the local fans that have come this evening.

Another bomb comes in from Adam Lund for Alfreton.

This one is flicked towards goal and a big hand from Walsall keeper Jackson Smith paws the ball away.

A good block then clears the danger.

A very lively opening quarter here.

Martin Keown
Former England defender on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

I've been impressed with Walsall because there was a suggestion that they didn't really want it at the weekend and that their manager wanted the game off.

But you can't question their commitment in these early stages.

It's a battle out there.

Oh best chance of the night so far!

And it falls for the home side.

A great cross from the right finds centre-half Shaun Brisley stealing in behind the defence.

He has a free header from 10 yards out but it's such a tame effort and straight at the goalkeeper!

That was a golden opportunity for the non-league side to go in front.

Adam Lund with another long throw for Alfreton.

He launches it towards the near post and it's off someone towards the far post, past the goalkeeper but then scooped away by the defence.