Walsall suffered their second home league defeat of the campaign after George Thomson’s late strike handed Harrogate Town all three points.
The Saddlers were twice denied by the post on a frustrating afternoon at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Mat Sadler made one change to the team that overcame Sheppey United in the Emirates FA Cup.
Brandon Comley came into the starting XI while Ross Tierney missed out altogether after picking up an injury during the week.
The Saddlers were dealt an early blow when Joe Riley was forced off with an injury after 10 minutes and was replaced by Joe Foulkes.
Liam Gordon had a good opportunity on 18 minutes after an excellent run, skipping past four defenders before he tried his luck with a shot but his low effort trickled wide.
Donervon Daniels came close when he met Ryan Stirk’s corner but he could only direct his header over the bar.
The Saddlers were on the front foot in the first half and had their best chance of the half when Isaac Hutchinson cut it back to Gordon who struck first time but it was cleared off the line.
Harrogate started to come into the game and had a couple of opportunities when Sam Folarin had a shot saved before Matty Foulds’ strike was blocked.
Neither team could make the breakthrough in a goalless first half.
The hosts started the second half well. A good move culminated in Douglas James-Taylor setting up Comley who hit it first time but blazed his shot over the bar.
Sadler turned to his bench on 64 minutes and introduced Danny Johnson in place of James-Taylor.
The Saddlers came mightily close on 71 minutes when Tom Knowles rifled in a shot that cannoned off the post before it was turned behind.
Lightning struck twice moments later as the post denied Sadler’s men again, this time Hutchinson’s shot bounced off the upright.
Harrogate continued to frustrate the Saddlers and grew into the game. The visitors made the breakthrough on 84 minutes when substitute George Thomson had time and space to take on a shot and he squeezed the ball past Owen Evans and that proved to be the decisive goal.
Evans; Riley (Foulkes 10’), Okagbue, Daniels, Gordon; Stirk, McEntee, Comley (Maher 80’); Knowles, James-Taylor (Johnson 64’), Hutchinson
Subs: Smith (GK), Allen, Menayese, Griffiths
Attendance: 4654 (65 away)