Walsall earned back-to-back away wins as Tyrese Shade’s free-kick was enough to secure three points against Sutton United.
The Saddlers battled hard to earn their victory as Sutton edged the first half but an inspired substitution in the second half turned the game in Walsall’s favour and they held on to their lead after some late pressure from the hosts.
Matt Taylor made one change to the side that drew 2-2 with Barrow as Brendan Kiernan came in for Conor Wilkinson who was missing from the 18-man squad.
The Saddlers got off to a good start and had a couple of opportunities in the opening five minutes. George Miller chested the ball into the path of Kiernan who volleyed the ball goal wards but Dean Bouzanis was equal to his effort.
Moments later, Miller was played through but he blazed his shot over the bar.
Sutton came into the game and had a handful of decent opportunities. Alistair Smith flicked David Ajiboye’s cross wide before Isaac Olaofe swept an effort just wide of the mark.
The hosts had the better of the first half and Will Randall came close when he curled an effort wide from 25-yards.
Despite creating openings, Sutton rarely tested Rushworth in the first half and the two teams went in level at the break.
The game settled in the second half and Walsall improved.
Taylor introduced Shade early in the second half and he made an impact soon after coming on when he bent in a low free-kick past Bouzanis to give Walsall the lead.
Sutton responded well and applied pressure on the Saddlers back line but the likes of Manny Monthe, Rollin Menayese and Joss Labadie continued to thwart them.
Coby Rowe came close with a 25-yard volley before Tobi Sho-Silva turned the ball over from close range but Walsall held on for the win and ensured they finished October unbeaten.