THE SADDLERS have brought home a point from last season's play-off finalists, Hartlepool United courtesy of a 1-1 draw in the Victoria Park sunshine.

It was Walsall who drew first blood with a goal on seven minutes as an inviting corner from Kris Taylor was met with a bullet header from former Pool favourite, Chris Westwood that gave the 'keeper no chance.

Westwood was given a warm reception from the home faithful after spending six successive years with the north-east outfit and his lack of celebration following the goal was given a sporting round of applause by the home crowd.

With 11 minutes on the clock some good work by Eifion Williams saw him cross for Jon Daly whose stooping header was comfortably saved by Andy Oakes as the home side searched for an equaliser.

Walsall were showing plenty of spirit and endeavour but the home side started to up the pressure as the half progressed. There was a real scare just past the half-hour mark when a long ball towards the danger zone saw Oakes come racing to the very edge of his penalty area in attempt to punch clear, but Daly got a head to the ball which fell just wide.

Oakes then struggled with a cross shortly afterwards as he came under more pressure but The Saddlers had men back to scramble the ball out for a corner which came to nothing.

There was an early scare for Paul Merson's men at the start of the second period when Thomas Butler tried his luck from distance but Oakes saved, then the 'keeper had to be alert to palm away an effort from first half substitute, Adam Boyd.

Some good strong running by Jorge Leitao on 62 minutes ended with him cutting inside and releasing Matty Fryatt but as the highly-rated youngster prepared to shoot, Michael Nelson got back to block. The result corner saw Westwood make his presence felt but the danger was cleared.

The home side got the equaliser that they had threatened soon afterwards when another Butler effort was saved only for Antony Sweeney to get in another shot which nestled into the back of the net to make it 1-1.

Darren Wrack tried his luck with a curling effort soon afterwards but the 'keeper gathered, then the impressive Daniel Fox tried a shot on the turn after the ball fell to him inside the area following a corner but again the 'keeper was on hand to save.

Soon after Michael Standing came on to replace Kris Taylor, Westwood was booked for a late challenge.

With timerunning out, Fryatt did well to hold the ball up before playing in Standing whose low curling shot was pushed behind by the home 'keeper. It was followed by a series of Walsall corners that caused problems but ended with Simon Osborn firing over from distance.

The last action saw a mis-directed header from Steve Staunton, intended for Oakes, almost let the home side in but Sweeney headed over as honours ended even.