Paul Merson hopes to use an FA Cup run to strengthen Walsall's squad in January ready for an assault on the League One promotion race.

After seeing off a good Yeovil side in this second round tie and recording their fifth successive home win, the Saddlers look capable of continuing the welcome improvement in form and results.

A happy Merson said: "It could help bring in three or four players in January for a push. If we are around the play-off mark, or even automatic promotion, come January we shall have every chance."

Walsall were able to grind out a victory over Yeovil without hitting their best form, and they clearly missed the midfield skills of Frenchman Eric Skora, on loan from Preston and not allowed to become cup-tied.

But there is a new belief in the squad, particularly in their ability to defend a lead even when under intense pressure. Two off-the-line clearances by Craig Pead and Julian Bennett in the second half underlined their resolve.

A few weeks ago Merson was highly critical of longserving defender, Ian Roper, for taking so long to recover from injury and being overweight. How times have changed.

Since "Ropes" returned to the team in October Walsall's record in league and cup reads: played eight, won six, lost two. They managed to win only two of the previous eight without the big man.

Merson explained: "I was critical of him because I know what the lad can do. That's why I was frustrated. You only have to look at our record since he has been back."

The Saddlers took the lead in the 13th minute, Matty Fryatt notching his 12th goal of the season from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Efe Sodje.

Yeovil played some fine football in response, with Lee Johnson the focal point of most of their raids.

But they couldn't find a way through the home defence. Teenage keeper Rene Gilmartin was never extended, though he owed much to off-the-line clearances by Craig Pead and Julian Bennett.

A second goal was needed to finish off the Glovers, and it came with just seven minutes left when Simon Osborn set up Fryatt for a shot which rebounded to Jorge Leit?o who struck his sixth of the season with a perfect right foot drive from a tight angle.

Revenge was sweet for an undeserved defeat in the league by Yeovil at Huish Park in September, a result aggravated as Darren Wrack suffered a broken leg through a foul tackle by Colin Miles.

Wrack has expressed disappointment that the defender hadn't contacted him since the incident, and after the cup tie Merson suggested Miles, who was substituted after 13 minutes, had "bottled it".

But Yeovil manager Steve Thompson denied that and said that the player had been struggling with injury and was replace him because he obviously wasn't match fit.

Thompson added: "After the game in September Colin asked me what he should do, and I said we had taken care of the situation. Darren had fantastic treatment from our doctor because it was quite a bad break."

Now Merson wants his players to show that they can reproduce the "Fortress Bescot" form away from home, and they have ideal opportunities with trips to Oldham tomorrow night and Nottingham Forest on Saturday.