A first-half strike from Jorge Leitao was enough for Division One side Walsall to secure a place in the second round of the Worthington Cup as they beat Shrewsbury.

The winning goal had a continental flavour as Portuguese striker Leitao played a neat one-two with Brazilian Junior before lashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Junior, making his first start for the Saddlers, came close to adding a second on the half hour, but he sent his header over the crossbar from six yards.

Karl Murray had Shrewsbury's best chance of the first half in the 42nd minute, firing inches wide from close range.

The visitors lost star striker Luke Rodgers to injury shortly after the restart and their evening almost took another turn for the worse minutes later.

Walsall substitute David Zdrilic should have doubled the lead but could only fire straight at Ian Dunbavin in the Shrews goal.

At the other end, veteran midfielder Mark Atkins forced a fine save from James Walker with a drilled effort as they searched in vain for an equaliser.

Walsall: Walker, Hay, Roper, Carbon, Bazeley, Sonner, O'Connor, Junior, Aranalde, Leitao, Corica. Subs: Ward, Matias, Herivelto, Zdrilic, Wrack.

Shrewsbury: Dunbavin, Drysdale, Redmile, Atkins, Thompson, Lowe, Murray, Jamie Tolley, Van Blerk, Rodgers, Jemson. Subs: Wilding, Kendall, Ian Stevens, Moss, Glenn Tolley.

Referee: M Pike (Cumbria)