ACTION: Saddlers qualities show through

SADDLERS 2-0 STOCKPORT COUNTY (League One)

Ambition is a word often used away from the subject of Walsall FC. However, when a determined Darren Byfield hit a 35-yard shot just wide of the left-hand post, there could only be one outcome.

Pressure and quality paid off on 37 minutes when Matty Richards curled in a beautiful free-kick to grab the opener. 1-0 Saddlers.

Evidence of a partnership blooming between Byfield and rookie Troy Deeney was on display for all to see, with the post being stuck by Deeney after the restart after clever linkup play.

The partnership paid off on 56 minutes, when Deeney used his class to play in Dwayne Mattis, who found Deeney in enough space so that the youngster could slip a pass through to Darren Byfield to shoot past the despairing Stockport keeper from a tight angle.

Throughout the game, there was little evidence to suggest that Byfield was suffering after is midweek divorce from popstar Jamelia, as the Saddlers ended up 2-0 winners over a poor Stockport side, who will struggle for the rest of the season.

Pleasing for the Saddlers who climb to eighth place and the playoffs look a real bet now.