Walsall 3 Chesterfield 2 - match report

Walsall inched ever closer to safety with an important three points at the Banks's Stadium today.

The Saddlers put down a spirited effort from bottom club Chesterfield with two goals from Emmanuel Ledesma and a winner from Albion loanee Sam Mantom.

It was a victory which enabled Dean Smith's team to climb above rivals hovering just above the drop zone and sends them to The Valley for Monday's imposing task against Charlton in good heart.

But they had to work hard for it especially after a shaky start to each half.

Franck Moussa headed Chesterfield in front after keeper David Grof had twice kept out Jordan Bowery efforts.

But that clicked Walsall into action and first Jon Macken and then Florent Cuvelier produced superb assists for Ledesma to score twice with that sweet left foot.

Nevertheless the Spirerites were all over Walsall at the start of the second half and crafted a fine goal themselves from midfielder Mark Randall.

But Mantom had the last laugh with a lovely finish at the end of a piercing run picked out by Cuvelier just before the hour.

Walsall then rode out a tense finish to claim a win in front of 4,051.

By Martin Swain