Walsall’s run of league victories came to an end with defeat at league leaders Stockport County.
A quiet first half came to life in injury time when Akil Wright’s superb strike opened the scoring before Douglas James-Taylor responded almost immediately for the Saddlers.
Tanto Olaofe regained Stockport’s lead on 55 minutes before substitute Paddy Madden made sure from the penalty spot.
Mat Sadler named an unchanged team following last weekend’s FA Cup tie at Southampton.
New signing Josh Gordon started on the bench while Ryan Stirk was also fit enough to be named as a substitute having been missing with an injury since Boxing Day.
After a cagey start, the hosts had the first sight of goal when Wright’s cross was met by Odin Bailey who headed goalwards but Jackson Smith did well to get a hand to it and push it over.
The Saddlers had a couple of half chances when Tom Knowles shot straight at Ben Hinchcliffe before Liam Gordon headed over from close range.
The first half came to life in stoppage time. Wright gave Stockport the lead with an excellent drive from 25-yards out but the Saddlers hit straight back when James-Taylor powered in Knowles’ corner to level the contest right on half time.
Walsall started the second half well and applied some pressure but it was the Hatters who got the third goal of the game when Callum Camps’ free-kick came off the underside of the bar and Olaofe made sure as he prodded home from the goal line.
Sadler turned to his bench on 68 minutes as he introduced Josh Gordon for his second Saddlers debut on the hour mark.
Stirk also made his return from the bench as well, replacing Jack Earing on 74 minutes.
Moments after that alteration, Stockport were awarded a penalty after Liam Gordon bundled Connor Lemonheigh-Evans in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Madden stepped up and smashed it into the roof of the net to give County breathing space.
Walsall tried to find a way back late on but the hosts saw out the remaining minutes to claim all three points.
Smith; Knowles, Okagbue, Farquharson, Daniels, L. Gordon (Allen 80’); Earing (Stirk 74’), Comley, Hutchinson; James-Taylor, Johnson (J. Gordon 61’)
Subs: Evans (GK), Foulkes, Maher, Adegboyega