All the action direct from a sunny Banks's Stadium...
THE SADDLERS stepped out in glorious sunshine at Banks's Stadium for this local derby as a vocal crowd created a superb atmosphere.Walsall started with a good tempo as we saw plenty of the early ball.
A raised boot on Adam Chambers gave The Saddlers a free-kick in a promising position in the tenth minute which was touched to Andy Taylor who drilled a low strike that was well held by Chris Weale as Febian Brandy looked to take advantage of any rebound off the 'keeper, who was in particularly impressive form in the away game back in October.
The first threat from the visitors came on the quarter-hour mark when former Saddler, Matt Richards' cross from the left caused problems before being cleared at the far post.
A free-kick pumped into the area by The Shrews ended with the ball looping off Darren Jones goalwards, but Aaron McCarey was able to claw away. At the other end, Taylor's free-kick into the mix saw Grigg miss his connection as the ball spun loose.
The Saddlers were awarded a 29th minute penalty when Brandy tricked his way into the area before being hit with a reckless challenge from Rob Edwards. Will Grigg stepped up and... you know the rest, 1-0 to Walsall!
With our tails up, Grigg went round the 'keeper only for Edwards to redeem himself somewhat by clearing off the line.
It was bubbling up into a keenly-fought contest with the tackles flying in.
There was a booking for Butler for a foul in the final minute of the half that gave Shrewsbury a free-kick out wide, that was cleared.
HALF-TIME: Walsall 1 Shrewsbury Town 0
Within two minutes of the restart the lead was doubled when Craig Westcarr notched his first goal for the club as he seized upon a rebound from a Grigg effort to fire home from close range.
Straight away McCarey did well to tip Paul Parry's effort around the post as The Shrews looked to hit back straight away.
On 54 minutes it was 3-0 when Grigg picked up the ball inside the area and picked his spot in the far corner to send The Saddlers' faithful wild with delight.
A header at the far post from Tom Eaves went wide in the 68th minute as the visitors searched for a route back into it.
The Shrews did pull a goal back on 77 minutes when a cross from the right was headed home by David McAllister who found space in front of goal.
The momentum was with the visitors as Darren Jones' low drive was deflected wide of the target.
There was a change by The Saddlers as Nicky Featherstone replaced Westcarr with five minutes to go.
A late change saw James Baxendale unleashed in place of the ever willing Brandy.
In the end it was another deserved three points for the soaraway Saddlers.
FULL-TIME: Walsall 3 Shrewsbury Town 1