DARREN Byfield battled through the pain barrier on Saturday to become The Saddlers' match winner as we defeated Tranmere Rovers 2-1 at Banks's Stadium.

The front-man underwent a late fitness test after badly bruising his knee in last Monday's victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Determined to play, the 33 year-old was passed fit and bagged the winning goal as Chris Hutchings' men extended their unbeaten run to three games. "It's always nice to score, especially when it's the winner," he revealed afterwards. "We battled hard, got our foot in and deserved the three points.

"You do need a little bit of luck as a striker. I can look back on the games where I should have easily got a goal. I could have got one against Stockport and you just hope it drops for you.

"I'm feeling good; I was a little worried, not because of the injury, but because I hadn't trained all week.

"I was thinking I was going to tire on Saturday but I felt strong. It was bone bruising which can be really painful and uncomfortable but I soldiered through and got my rewards."

Byfield will be looking for more goals on Tuesday evening as we travel to play-off chasing Huddersfield Town (kick-off 7.45pm).