Saddlers stun Robins in Carabao Cup opener

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·6 August 2026

Saddlers stun Robins in Carabao Cup opener

The Carabao Cup proper has only just begun but there's already been an upset as League Two Walsall knocked out Championship side Bristol City.

There had been two League Cup games played already with Rochdale and Crawley Town both navigating the preliminary round. However, the first round back with a shock at Ashton Gate.

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The only goal of the game came just after half-time after Reece Smith crossed for Aaron Pressley to finish.

Lee Grant's side were worth a goal but from that point it was the Robins pushing for an equaliser.

However, despite having 33 shots in total with nine on target, the second tier couldn't find a way through with Jed Ward impressing in the Walsall goal.

In the end, the Saddlers managed to hold on for the win to dump Bristol City out of the League Cup at the first hurdle.