Striker Jake Scrimshaw said scoring his first goals in the Football League had been “a dream come true”.
Scrimshaw’s second-half double inspired Walsall to a thrilling 4-3 victory over League Two rivals Port Vale at the Banks’s Stadium.
The 20-year-old was one of four substitutions made by Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke at the interval as the hosts trailed 2-0 to goals from Tom Pope and Tom Conlon.
Scrimshaw replaced fellow frontman Elijah Adebayo and opened his account just seven minutes later when he poked home a pass from Rory Holden.
Dan Scarr drew Walsall level four minutes later but the Valiants regained the lead through Devante Rodney after 75 minutes.
Scrimshaw restored parity when he netted from a tight angle in the 80th minute before Scarr’s header completed the dramatic turnaround eight minutes from time.
The Cherries loanee’s exploits helped the Saddlers register a fourth League Two win on the bounce as they climbed to eighth in the table.
In an interview with the Walsall club website, Scrimshaw said: “I’ve never felt better. It’s a dream come true.
“I’ve dreamt of this moment ever since I was a kid. That first one when I saw it roll in, I couldn’t explain the feeling I had.
“To get the second one was even better, to top it off. It was a huge second half. The improvement was massive from the team."
Kyle Taylor continued his comeback following injury and helped resurgent Southend United claim a 1-1 draw against Mansfield Town at Field Mill.
Taylor, who netted his first career goal in the Shrimpers’ midweek win over Grimsby, made his 11th appearance for Mark Molesley’s team.
Southend took the lead through Arsenal loanee James Olayinka’s superb 27th-minute finish before their brave resistance was breached in the 79th minute when Jordan Bowery levelled.
Despite still propping up the table, Southend have taken eight points from their past four games and are now just three points from safety.
Tyler Cordner looked on from the bench as Scunthorpe United suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
Mattie Pollock netted the only goal after 21 minutes to condemn the Iron to a third reverse in their past four games.
FA TROPHY
Corey Jordan was Weymouth’s matchwinner as they edged a 3-2 victory over Maidenhead United at the Bob Lucas Stadium to book a place in the fourth round.
Cody Cooke’s opener and a penalty from former Cherries star Josh McQuoid put the Terras 2-0 up after 32 minutes.
But Daniel Orsi scored twice in the space of three minutes at the end of the first half to restore parity for the visitors.
However, Jordan was on hand to settle the tie in favour of the hosts when he poked the ball through a crowd of bodies after Alefe Santos’s 53rd-minute corner had fallen to him.
Victory earned the Terras £4,500 in prize money and set up a home tie against Darlington in the fourth round.
Ben Greenwood and Christian Saydee both featured for 90 minutes as Poole Town bowed out after going down 2-0 against Maidstone United in the second round at Gallagher Stadium.
Defender Greenwood went close to breaking the deadlock when his effort six minutes after the interval drew an excellent save from Stones goalkeeper Chris Lewington.
The National South promotion hopefuls eventually saw off the Southern League Premier South leaders thanks to second-half goals from Gavin Hoyte and Ibrahim Olutade.
WESSEX LEAGUE
Joe Besant was between the sticks for Blackfield & Langley in their 7-0 defeat by leaders Hamworthy United at the County Ground.
Corey Jordan picture credit: Mark Probin
With thanks to sponsor UPN for their support.
