THERE was certainly a chill in the air as James Walker's choice of pre-match music kept the crowd entertained before the popular custodian was given a warm welcome onto the field with a Guard of Honour and a trophy in recognition of him becoming the club's all-time record appearance maker.

2 Neat move by The Saddlers ended with Jamie Paterson receiving the ball on the left. He cut inside and curled inches wide of the target.

3 In their first raid on goal, the visitors took the lead when Lee Hughes was given time to line up a shot that flew beyond James Walker to make it 1-0.

14 Good save by James Walker saw him push away Ben Burgess' curler after some good hold-up play by Lee Hughes. The resulting corner was fired well over by the roundly-booed Hughes.

33 After a tame effort from Jon Macken that was easy for Stuart Nelson, Jamie Paterson tried his luck from distance but the 'keeper was behind it to gather as Walsall looked to get into their stride.

37 First substitution of the evening saw Jon Macken replaced by George Bowerman.

44 Saddlers battled for possession on the touchline and as Anton Peterlin found Richard Taundry, he lashed his effort into the side-netting.

Half-time: Walsall 0 Notts County 1

46 Man of the moment, James Walker forced off with a hamstring injury at the interval and replaced by another former Notts County man, David Grof.

61 Lee Hughes closed in on goal after holding off Andy Butler but David Grof was alert to block.

62 Third change for Walsall as loanee, Florent Cuvelier came on for his debut in place of Anton Peterlin.

70 The introduction of the Belgian youngster has certainly given The Saddlers a lift with a couple of neat moves without seriously worrying Stuart Nelson in The Magpies' goal.

75 The Saddlers had the ball in the net from the head of George Bowerman after Manny Smith had made his presence felt but the effort was ruled out for a foul on Stuart Nelson who came for the ball unconvincingly. Smith was booked for his protests.

81 An effort by Alan Judge flew wide of the target.

87 George Bowerman looked to turn the ball back  into the danger zone as County were caught flat-footed, but  thet managed to scramble clear.

Full-time: Walsall 0 Notts County 1

PHOTOS: David Linney Photography