THE SADDLERS started the 2009/10 with a deserved 1-0 win in the Brighton sunshine.

Some good early play by debutant, Peter Till saw him cross invitingly only for fellow new-boy, Sam Parkin to be penalised for a foul.

With seven minutes on the clock, a neat move for Walsall ended with former Brighton loanee, Matt Richards poking an effort wide before another cross from Till was headed wide by Steve Jones.

It was Walsall who made the brighter start and Jones' cross to the far post saw Parkin place his header just the wrong side of the post.

A foul on Till gave The Saddlers a free-kick in a promising position on 26 minutes only for Richards to fire into the defensive wall.

The home side threatened for the first time when Liam Dickinson caused panic amongst the Walsall defence who eventually managed to clear under pressure.

The opening goal arrived on 32 minutes when Till linked up well with Rhys Weston on the right and his cross from the by-line was headed into his own net by Andrew Whing.

As The Seagulls searched for an instant response, Dickinson's cross was headed out by Weston and the resulting corner was headed onto the roof of the net.

With just two minutes to go until the interval, Richards' corner was met with a stooping header from Dwayne Mattis that crept just wide.

At the other end, a free-kick from former Walsall youngster, Mark Wright was headed well wide.

The second period was just four minutes old when Clayton Ince misjudged a Mark Wright cross but the big 'keeper was relieved to see the ball escape danger.

Brighton looked a more purposeful outfit and a low shot from Wright was held by Ince, who then did well to block at the feet of Andrew Crofts in the next attack as Wright's through-ball beat the offside trap.

There was a yellow card for Mattis for his part in a melee that was soon brought under control.

On 62 minutes an inviting ball into the danger zone by Dickinson was headed just over by the experienced Nicky Forster. Moments later Dickinson turned well before getting in a powerful strike that whistled narrowly wide.

With Richard Taundry on in place of Jones, Richards saw yellow for a foul.

Some good link-up play between Parkin and strike partner, Troy Deeney set up Taundry for a shooting chance but his effort took a deflection as it sailed well wide.

It was to be Deeney's last involvement as he made way for Alex Nicholls.

A deep cross from Jamie Vincent with 77 minutes on the clock was headed onto the crossbar by Parkin, but the offside flag had already been raised.

Parkin's next action was to be booked for dissent, whilst Mark Bradley came on for Till.

As Tommy Elphick headed over from a corner, there was one final chance for the home side when Ince could only punch clear into the path of Crofts who put the loose ball wide from just outside the area.

It meant that Chris Hutchings started the season with a win