Michael Flynn’s side returned to winning ways as a single goal on the stroke of half-time from Jack Earing was enough to secure the Saddlers all three points at a sun-kissed Banks’s Stadium against Carlisle United.
It was a fairly even contest between the two sides placed 18th and 19th respectively in Sky Bet League Two at the start of Good Friday but it was the visitors Carlisle who had the better of the early chances.
Kristian Dennis got the better of the returning Donervon Daniels but his powerful low drive was well saved by Carl Rushworth down to his right.
Following that early chance for the visitors, Walsall began to grown into the match as Emmanuel Osadebe, Tyrese Shade and Joss Labadie all linked up well but the final touch inside the area couldn’t be found just yet.
Just after the half hour mark, Daniels was on hand to deny the visitors what looked like a certain shot on goal from Tyrese Omotoye but he couldn’t find a way past the Saddlers defender.
Shortly after that chance for Omotoye, the Saddlers broke away superbly as Brendan Kiernan controlled it well for Osadebe who in turn set the ball on a plate for Shade but his effort was well saved by Mark Howard at the second time of asking.
On the stroke of half time, the Saddlers went ahead and deservedly so through Earing. Following a fine save from Howard to stop the ball being put into his own net by Dynel Simeu, the ball fell kindly for Earing on the edge of the area and after controlling it well, his deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Just after the hour mark, Carlisle went close again as Omotoye cut inside on his left foot but his curling effort towards the near post went wide of the mark.
Despite the visitors applying plenty of late pressure, the Saddlers were able to hang on for all three points to earn their first victory in four matches.