The Ashes were way below par for this League Cup game at Kimberley Stadium, where their Division One East opponents always looked the more likely to score.
'Too many games in too many days and the pitch was very heavy, which took its toll on the players' legs,' admitted Saltash manager Kevin Hendy.
'We had players recovering from flu who still played, while others have not had enough match time since coming back from long lay-offs.'
The first 20 minutes was fairly anonymous until the visitors shook the home crowd by taking the lead.
Simon Bochenski burst into the area only for goalkeeper Kenny Griffiths to block his shot, but the ensuing goalmouth scramble was finally ended as Stuart Morgan, although lying prone on the pitch, scooped the ball into the back of the net.
The second half began with Jamie Densham wasting a good chance by firing across goal and wide. However, the home side's hopes were hit in the 75th minute when Toby Clark hauled down Karl Rickard as he burst clear and was rightly shown a straight red for his professional foul.
Saltash pushed forward, but were caught out as Bochenski raced clear to sublimely lob the ball over the advancing Griffiths three minutes from time, before Jamie Densham headed home for a late consolation.