Pictures and analysis of Preston 1 Walsall 3

Comebacks on and off the pitch continue to unite Walsall.

As the Saddlers' League One revival gathers pace, the return of chairman Jeff Bonser to their games can signal a happy reunion.

Bonser had made a low-key comeback to watch the Saddlers' 4-2 win at Milton Keynes Dons on Boxing Day.

And he was again in attendance at Preston yesterday for a 3-1 victory so comfortable it was almost embarrassing.

It has been almost three years since he stopped watching but Bonser has always been there in the background.

He is at the club during the week but his self-imposed Saturday exile has always been the talking point.

Fans' opinions have been skewed because of it, believing he has ditched his responsibilities – something that is unfair.

Yes, other issues remain. His continued public silence and the long, overstated issue of the rent will forever hang while he remains in charge.

But this could be a precursor to seeing Bonser back at the Banks's Stadium for a game. But one step at a time.

His return serves to bond a club that is threatening to last the course on the field.

Two years ago they were fractured but the chairman's backing of Dean Smith must be praised as the manager builds a team that could be capable of ending their struggles.

Bonser's comeback is mirrored by the side, as their super-charged resuscitation after results had started to flatline just before Christmas lifted them to 12th.

In the space of a month they have gone from three points above the drop zone to five points adrift of the play-offs.

Had their form not deserted them for 16 games, talk of an unlikely promotion shot would have been justified.

As it is the manager and squad will, publicly at least, refuse to entertain the thoughts of a challenge in a topsy-turvy league.

Five wins from six games – and two defeats in their last 11 – has propelled the Saddlers away from danger.

Win in Saturday's visit of in-form Bournemouth and it will be hard not to consider what seemed impossible just four weeks ago.

Reaching 50 points is the first target though and yesterday's victory moved them closer to that.

New goalkeeper – Walsall's fourth of the season – Ian McLoughlin was handed an instant debut after signing from Milton Keynes Dons, with David Grof again benched.

Andy Taylor made the bench after a groin injury, with Mal Benning retaining his place. James Baxendale made his first start since November after Craig Westcarr's departure.

Preston had failed to win in the league at Deepdale since September. And the Saddlers began well with Thorsten Stuckmann turning Jamie Paterson's snapshot wide before he tipped Andy Butler's header onto the bar.

The hosts were nervous, tentative on the ball and slow without it, but there was no suggestion Walsall had it all their own way. Nicky Wroe latched onto Joe Garner's header but sliced wide under pressure from Benning.

The Saddlers escaped a minute later when Garner tumbled under Butler's tug just two yards out, but referee Carl Boyeson was unmoved.

It infuriated Preston and their mood darkened two minutes later when Walsall took the lead. Will Grigg burst down the left and into the area to cross for Brandy to smash in from five yards.

The diligent Saddlers had edged the opening but, stung, Preston reacted and McLoughlin palmed Wroe's drive wide.

Walsall continued to find joy on the Preston right and Baxendale should have done better than to lob into the side-netting when put through.

Bu the visitors didn't have to wait long for a second, which came seven minutes before the break.

Paterson's free-kick was only half cleared and the excellent Adam Chambers crossed for Paul Downing to glance into the corner.

The Saddlers continued their dominance after the break when Stuckmann smothered Grigg's shot, but he had no answer to Walsall's third on 55 minutes.

Jack King's error allowed Grigg to move into the area and pull back for Baxendale to fire a rocket into the top corner from 18 yards. It was game over.

Not even Bailey Wright's injury time consolation could damage the Saddlers. Welcome back, Jeff.

By Nick Mashiter