But on this occasion Deadman was given no choice. Chambers two-footed lunge on the half way line was pointless as well as rash and left his team mates with a mountain to climb after only twelve minutes.
It took Boro only five more minutes to score their first. Debutant striker Malaury Martin crossed the ball from the right and Dutch U-21 international Marvin Emnes scuffed the ball into the net from about ten yards. Emnes explained afterwards:
"The ball bobbled through a defenders legs so I didn't see it clearly, but it went in when I stuck out my foot."
Emnes second goal though was a stonker. This time former Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte provided a waist high cross from the right wing and Emnes lashed the ball home with a superb 12 yard volley.
Walsall then survived the remaining eight minutes before the break, but Boro were in full command of the game and looked to be a handy outfit even if they did have a one man advantage on the night.
Boss Tony Mowbray described it as a "professional performance", but also praised Walsall's players for "working very hard".
In the 52nd minute Smallwood was taken out by a sliding tackle in the area by Kevan Hurst and there was only ever going to be one penalty taker. Emnes stood patiently over the spot while Deadman booked Hurst and his body language said "over my dead body" to any team mate who fancied his chances.
Once things had settle down, the Dutchman then fired home for his hat trick - his first in senior football.
It was Walsall manager Dean Smith's first cup game in charge of Walsall and he admitted that the sending off was "a game changer". I do not expect Chambers to be applauded on to the training ground by his manager or team mates today as a senseless ban will now mean the talented midfielder is missing for vital games for a club that already has scarce footballing resources.
My clipping from today's paper
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