THE SADDLERS smashed Leeds United's unbeaten home record with a deserved 2-1 success at Elland Road.

With just four minutes on the clock, Luciano Becchio was well wide with an ambitous half-volley, whilst at the other end, Troy Deeney was similarly high, wide and handsome with his effort.

It was a cagey opening 20 minutes as Walsall worked hard and made it difficult for the home side to find any rhythm to their play.

An unfortunate ricochet almost caught The Saddlers out as the resulting corner was met with a powerful header from Leigh Bromby that flew over Clayton Ince's crossbar.

There was a booking for Clayton McDonald for a robust challenge before some battling play from Alex Nicholls saw him win the ball on the half-way line and break into the Leeds half, but with Deeney up in support, the home side were able to get men behind the ball and clear the danger.

Just past the half-hour mark, Gary McSheffrey's stinging drive was beaten away by Ince after an intelligent ball from the returning Jermaine Beckford set him up.

At the other end, Julian Gray curled an effort just wide.

On 41 minutes a foul on McDonald right on the edge of the area gave Walsall a free-kick in a promising position that Matt Richards fired just over with Casper Ankergren rooted to the spot.

As the half-time whistle sounded, the home side left the field to a chorus of boos, leaving The Saddlers to feel satisfied with a job well done so far.

There was a change at half-time as Mark Bradley replaced Peter Till and within a minute of the restart, Walsall edged in front as a cross from the left by Gray found its way to the feet of Dwayne Mattis who struck a sweet shot that flew into the bottom corner, giving the 'keeper no chance whatsoever.

A big stroke of luck got Leeds back on level terms seven minutes later as McSheffrey's cross from the left caught out Ince and found its way into the net.

It was a disappointing goal to concede but Ince nor his team-mates let their heads drop and shortly afterwards Ince saved well on the line from Becchio's header from a free-kick after Beckford had been fouled by McDonald who escaped with a ticking off from the referee.

Beckford was given space to turn and get in a shot that flew wide of the target, whilst a tricky run by substitute, Max Gradel ended with his strike gathered at the second attempt by Ince.

On 81 minutes, a teasing ball to the far post by Bradley found Nicholls whose effort was blocked by Ankergren and from the resulting corner, the ball was forced over the line by McDonald despite Leeds' best efforts to clear.

As the clock ticked down, Darryl Westlake was booked for taking a drink rather than a throw-in, but The Saddlers stayed resolute to secure a memorable and richly-deserved win.

PHOTOS: Kevin Grice