THE SADDLERS put in a fine second half display to run out 3-2 winners against League One favourites, Nottingham Forest in an entertaining opening home League game in front of a packed house.

A fine effort by Simon Osborn from distance on five minutes was gathered by the visiting 'keeper as The Saddlers' player-coach hit a dipping shot on target.

The next attack saw a probing ball forward by the busy Osborn two minutes later which almost set Matty Fryatt away but the 'keeper was alert to the danger to gather as Walsall made an encouraging start in front of a large and colourful crowd.

A header by Grant Holt on 11 minutes was Forest's first serious raid on goal as the former Norwich City man met a deep cross into the danger zone as the visitors attempted to get into gear.

A foul by Nicky Southall on Kris Taylor gave The Saddlers a free-kick in a dangerous position on the quarter-hour mark which Darren Wrack curled teasingly into the box but Forest got numbers back to clear the danger in front of goal.

Daniel Fox was booked for a reckless challenge on Southall as he lined up a cross with 20 minutes on the clock, then shortly afterwards some good running by Fryatt saw him hold the ball up before teeing up Michael Standing who hit a low drive just wide from the edge of the area.

Forest had a couple of free-kicks in dangerous positions around the half-hour mark by Kris Commons and then Southall both put them just over.

The visitors took the lead on 36 minutes when a low cross from the right was swept home by Commons who was then booked for his celebrations with the large travelling contingent.

Forest's experienced back-line was doing well to snuff out The Saddlers' attacking ideas as we looked to get back on level terms in the closing stages of the first half.

Mark Wright was introduced into the action during the interval in place of Michael Standing and it didn't take Wright long to make his mark as he cut inside before hitting a sweet shot that flew past the 'keeper in the 50th minute to level the scores.

Within a minute The Saddlers were ahead as a dangerous free-kick was curled over the defensive wall by Kris Taylor and pushed onto the crossbar by Rune Pedersen. The rebound fell kindly to Chris Westwood who reacted the quickest to gleefully poke the ball home from close range for a goal on his Walsall League debut.

There was a controversial moment just on the hour-mark as a slick move by The Saddlers saw Fryatt set Leitao racing away but his progress was halted by a strong challenge from the 'keeper, who brought him crashing to the ground. The referee, who looked towards his assistant, gave a penalty and proceeded to send the 'keeper off for the challenge.

Fryatt stepped up after a long delay to calmly tuck the ball home past substitute 'keeper, Paul Gerrard to give Walsall a two-goal cushion. Fryatt was booked for his celebrations as the Forest faithful showed their anger at the decision, which even surprised some home supporters.

With 64 minutes on the clock, Pead did well near the by-line and as his cross was partially cleared, the ball fell out to Fox who hit a low drive that Gerrard managed to get his body behind to keep out.

The Saddlers were playing with energy and confidence at this stage and a sweeping move with around 20 minutes to go saw us break out of defence as the ball found its way to Fryatt who played Leitao through but his shot was easy for the 'keeper to gather.

A hopeful ball into the box by Commons with time running out caused unnecessary problems for Oakes who pushed the ball out for a corner which came to nothing. The former Derby County custodian was in action again shortly afterwards as he got down low to his left to push out a Commons drive.

From the resulting corner, a melee right in front of Oakes saw David Johnson apply the pressure as David Friio bundled the ball just over the line despite our best efforts to keep it out and the goal was given as Walsall looked for a foul on the 'keeper.

It was the signal for a double substitution as Leitao and Osborn were replaced by Dario Larrosa, making his League debut, and Mark Kinsella.

The goal set up a tense finale as the ten men of Forest pressed for an equaliser. The board for five minutes of injury time acted to give visitors a lift, but The Saddlers, with Julian Bennett in particularly solid form, were resolute and defended their lead.

A foul by Kinsella in the 93rd minute gave Forest a free-kick in a dangerous position by Commons' effort was just over and with it went his sides chances of gaining a point as they slipped to their first League One defeat of the season against Saddlers' side who made it seven consective League victories.

PHOTOS: David Linney Photography