Jack Bonham was the hero as Stoke edged out spirited Walsall 4-3 on penalties to reach the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The Stoke goalkeeper, who saved Albert Adomah’s spot-kick, fired home the winning penalty after a goalless draw at the bet365 Stadium.
Earlier in the shootout, youngster Jonny Stuttle fired his effort over for the visitors before Sam Hornby kept out Divin Mubama’s effort.
Early on, Hornby produced a good stop to keep out Jamie Donley’s strike.
Jaden Mears squandered a good chance on the stroke of half-time when he fluffed his lines with a header.
After the break, Donley rattled the crossbar with 20-yard effort with the Saddlers’ stopper well beaten.
Bonham ensured the game went to penalties with a superb fingertip save to tip Stuttle’s effort over the bar in the closing stages.
Jamille Matt, Aden Flint and Jamie Jellis all scored their penalties in the shootout for the Saddlers.
Lewis Baker, Donley and Bae Jun-ho all converted for the Potters before Bonham’s winning kick.
