Shrewsbury 1 Walsall 3 - Report and pictures

Paul Downing and Jordan Cook's first goals of the season together with a Milan Lalkovic strike secured the Saddlers a come-back victory after Ian Black was sent off for Salop in the second half.

Larnell Cole had earlier given Shrewsbury a first half lead at Greenhous Meadow. But the spirited fight-back means Walsall move up to third in League One.

For the first time this season, Walsall named an unchanged line-up with the coaching trio of John Ward, Jon Whitney and Neil Cutler sticking with the side that secured a 2-1 victory over Bradford.

It meant the Saddlers lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with striker Tom Bradshaw making his first return to Greenhous Meadow since leaving Shrewsbury in the summer of 2014.

For Micky Mellon's Town, Walsall fan favourite Anthony Gerrard started at centre-back.

On a quick surface, both teams passed the ball around well in the opening stages but it wasn't until the 15th minute when the game registered its first real chance.

Romaine Sawyers collected the ball on the edge of the Shrewsbury box and, with a sharp turn, managed to work himself space. The St Kitts and Nevis international then hit a dipping low drive that cannoned off the post and to safety.

Walsall were slowly starting to take control of the tie and they came close again when some crisp passing saw the ball worked to Evans who curled inches over from 20-yards.

Shrewsbury threatened for the first time when Sullay Kaikai fired an effort from 30-yards that was comfortably saved by Neil Etheridge.

Salop fans were then appealing for a penalty when Scott Vernon's through-ball seemed to hit James O'Connor on the arm. But despite strong protests, referee Peter Bankes waved play on.

It was the Saddlers though who were on top but they were dealt a huge blow midway through the half when Bradshaw picked up a knock and walked straight down the tunnel - unable to carry on. Jordan Cook replaced the Saddlers top scorer.

Undeterred, Walsall continued to press with Milan Lalkovic's free-kick bouncing its way through to O'Connor who hit a snap-shot straight at Jayson Leutwiler.

Yet despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, the Saddlers found themselves a goal down with five minutes of the half remaining.

A brilliant challenge from Shrewsbury striker James Collins saw the home side win possession. And with a giant hole in the Walsall defence, Vernon slipped in Larnell Cole who fired past Etheridge.

Minute later and it should have been 2-0.

Kaikai cut in from the left flank and whipped in a cross that Etheridge parried. But the fall fell kindly for Collins who somehow sliced wide with the goal gapping.

And the missed proved costly when, on the stroke of half-time, the Saddlers pulled level.

Lalkovic collected the ball on the edge of the box and then curled a powerful strike which beat Leutwiler at his near post.

Mellon switched Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro for Salop goal scorer Cole at the break.

But it was Walsall who created the first chance of the half with Paul Downing rising highest from a corner but glancing his header wide.

Shrewsbury responded with Abu Ogogo trying his luck from 20-yards but his strike was easily dealt with by Etheridge.

In front of 1,472 travelling Saddlers, the visitors continued to prod and probe and they came close to taking the lead when George Evans' strike cannoned off a defender to Sawyers.

Walsall's creative schemer took the ball into the box but then lashed his strike well over the bar.

Salop were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Ian Black received a second yellow card for late challenge on Downing.

And they were almost made to pay immediately when a fantastic Sawyers drive was beaten away by Leutwiler.

Walsall's management team responded by switching Lalkovic for Anthony Forde.

A brilliant Sawyers ball then found Cook who, leaning back, fired over the bar from just inside the box.

Seconds later though, the Saddlers were ahead. Downing rising highest from a corner to head home for his first goal of the season.

With the man advantage, Walsall were rampant and they should have extended their lead when Demetriou twisted and turned in the box only to see his deflected strike bounce off the crossbar.

From the resultant corner, Cook flashed a header inches past the post.

Walsall continued to press for the closing stages, nullifying the Shrewsbury threat and in four minutes of stoppage time they put the tie to bed.

A swift counter saw Sawyers find Henry. His pass then found Cook who kept his composure inside the box to fire past Leutwiler.