THE SADDLERS ended our away League matches with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United.

Walsall started brightly and within two minutes had taken the lead when the offside trap was broken and Darren Byfield strode through before beating an exposed Adam Collin.

Byfield was certainly making his presence felt in the opening exchanges and shortly afterwards his pressing on Richard Keogh saw him win the ball but the defender managed to get back and make amends for his error.

After Troy Deeney had fired powerfully wide from distance, the home side threatened at the other end on 17 minutes when Adam Clayton's corner found the head of Ian Harte whose effort flew over.

A neat move by The Cumbrians ended with Evan Horwood drilling in a cross from the left that Rene Gilmartin did well to claim.

The equaliser arrived when Gary Madine linked up with Jason Price who beat the offside trap before guiding the ball home.

With their tails up, Carlisle launched another dangerous raid as Ben Marshall's curling shot was beaten away by Gilmartin as Clayton McDonald put his body on the line to clear the rebound under pressure.

As half-time approached, Jamie Vincent's low clearance towards his own goal almost crept in, but he was relieved to see the ball go out for a corner.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Steve Jones fed Richard Taundry whose drive deflected wide off the back of one of his own players.

There was an enforced change at half-time with Mark Hughes replacing McDonald who picked up a knock earlier in the game.

On 50 minutes, Manny Smith was booked for his part in a tangle with Price who also saw yellow.

It was The Saddlers who had the bit between their teeth in the early action of the second period and Deeney did well to link up with Byfield whose low strike flashed just inches wide. Then Julian Gray's inviting cross was cleared in front of goal ahead of the awaiting Matt Richards.

Jones' break just past the hour-mark saw him find Byfield who made good progress before electing to shoot rather than play in Deeney who found himself in space. In the end, Collin was able to gather at the second attempt.

At the other end, some excellent defending by Rhys Weston saw him block at the crucial moment in front of goal as the initiative moved over to The Cumbrians once more.

After soaking up some pressure, Gray did well on the left and his cross to the far post found Richards but his attempt flew over. Likewise Tom Taiwo saw a header land over from a Carlisle corner.

With Peter Till on for Jones, an 84th minute foul on Byfield gave Richards a free-kick out wide which he curled dangerously towards Smith but he was denied from close range. The resulting corner found the head of Till who put his effort wide.

There was still time for Gray and Keogh to be booked for another skirmish that soon petered out.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils as The Saddlers' travelling army, a number of whom were in fancy dress, gave their heroes a deserved round of applause.

PHOTOS: Kevin Grice.