THE SADDLERS slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against a Huddersfield Town side who went to the top of the table.

The home side made a positive start to the proceedings, passing the ball around well and closing in on goal straight from kick-off, however the recalled Mark Kinsella was on hand with a timely challenge to clear the danger.

From the resulting throw-in, the ball found its way out to Jon Worthington who tried his luck from distance as the ball crashed against the post.

After the early scares, The Saddlers started to get into their stride, without really threatening the home goal, but it was The Terriers who looked the most likely side.

Worthington fired in another effort that this time landed on the roof of the net, before Daniel Fox's header back almost caused embarressment for John Ruddy who was out of position.

The opening goal eventually arrived on the quarter-hour mark when Chris Westwood lost out in an aerial confrontation with Pawel Abbott and Andy Booth was on hand to pick up the loose ball to fire home unchallenged as Ruddy hesitated.

Walsall were not showing much as an attacking force as the half went on. In fact, it took until the 24th minute for Rachubka to be called into action when Jorge Leitao made progress towards goal but his low ball across in search of Matty Fryatt was smothered by the 'keeper.

Leitao then dragged a shot wide, but The Saddlers lacked urgency in their play against a confident looking Huddersfield outfit.

The equalising goal came somewhat out of the blue just past the half-hour when a foul on the lively Ishmel Demontagnac saw Kinsella deliver the resulting free-kick tantilisingly into the danger zone where Paul Smith was on hand to head past Rachubka.

Our joy was short-lived as within four minutes Schofield did well on the by-line as he beat Fox to cross low into the path of Abbott who turned the ball home from close range.

The half ended with more woe as Fryatt was forced to limp out of the action as Dario Larrosa took his place.

The Saddlers came out looking brighter at the start of the second period, but it was still the home side who looked more of a threat in advanced positions.

That said, Larrosa showed a couple of nice touches, whilst Demontagnac displayed a resfreshing willingness to take players on. The Argentinean striker found himself in space early in the half but after a clever touch, his effort was disappointing.

Demontagnac was booked on 55 minutes after HE appeared to be the victim of the foul on the edge of the area. Then, shortly afterwards, Joe Broad became the second player to hobble off as Kris Taylor replaced him.

There was a let-off with around 20 minutes to go when Carss crossed for the experienced Booth who saw his attempt hit the post and rebound to safety.

Kinsella was withdrawn as the clocked ticked down to be replaced by youth teamer, David McDermott who was making his Football League debut after previously only figuring in the League Cup last season.

Fellow youth teamer Demontagnac continued to provide a ray of light on an otherwise grey Yorkshire day and some find skill by the Londoner on 73 minutes ended with him crossing into the box but the ball evaded everyone. The ball eventually found its way to Craig Pead who closed in on goal and curled an effort just inches wide.

A knock on by Larrosa set McDermott away in space, but the youngster attempted to head over the advancing 'keeper who was able to gather.

With news filtering through that Southend were losing, the home fans really got behind their team and it wasn't long before top scorer Abbott bagged his second and The Terriers' third to kill off an lingering thoughts that Paul Merson's men might have of taking something from the game.

McDermott was booked late on as he prevented the home side breaking away after a Walsall free-kick was cleared, then Larrosa set up Demontagnac for a shooting chance but his effort was well blocked as the resulting corner came to nothing.

There was time for a booking for Leitao in injury time as he lunged at a player in an attempt to win the ball. It was a fitting ended to a frustrating afternoon.