Walsall analysis: Saddlers get back on track with monumental win
It remains to be seen how important Walsall's 3-1 win over Chesterfield may prove to be, but it feels as if it could be monumental in the context of their season.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
That win sent them eight points clear at the League Two summit, and most importantly stopped the rot.
Walsall's bump in the road was in danger of descending into a sinkhole following a five-match winless run and things didn't look as if they were going to improve when they went in trailing at half-time.
The Saddlers fell behind inside the first eight minutes after switching off at yet another set piece. The marking was non-existent as Jack Sparkes worked his corner short and Dylan Duffy was afforded acres of space to float an inviting cross into the danger area.
Chesterfield skipper Jamie Grimes was left completely unmarked to send his looping header over Tommy Simkin and into the far corner.
Confidence and energy looked low once again and mistakes began to creep into their game. Ryan Stirk undercooked his back pass to Simkin and gifted Armando Dobra a free run on goal until Harry Williams saved his blushes with a crucial last-ditch challenge.
And they would have Williams to thank again. This time, Taylor Allen was caught on the ball by Bim Pepple and the Luton loanee fed Duffy through on goal. The Chesterfield winger looked destined to double the visitors' advantage until Williams raced back to rescue Walsall again.
Pepple squandered another glorious chance from point-blank range after he failed to find the target from Duffy's low delivery.
And Walsall quite easily could've found themselves out of the contest before the break, had it not been for Chesterfield's inability to take their chances.
