TWO GOALS from Tommy Mooney helped The Saddlers to a convincing 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town.
Edrissa Sonko's ball in from the right on two minutes was half-cleared as far as new-boy, Michael Ricketts whose header lacked the necessary power to trouble Shane Higgs in the visitors' goal.
A free-kick from Michael Dobson two minutes later crept all the way through towards goal as it took a slight deflection which carried it out for a corner.
After Darren Wrack fired straight at Higgs, a neat move just inside the penalty area on eight minutes ended with Mark Bradley brought down and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Tommy Mooney stepped up and coolly slotted home for his 200th professional goal.
The Saddlers were comfortably dealing with everything that the visitors were throwing at us as Clayton Ince made several commanding claims from crosses into the box.
At the other end, Ricketts' shot on the turn just past the half-hour mark was well pushed out by Higgs.
After Bradley had an effort which was straight down the throat of Higgs, Ricketts saw a towering header somehow stay out as it crashed off the underside of the crossbar with the 'keeper well beaten.
The second period started with Mooney playing in Ricketts with a neat ball which carved open the visitors' defence. As he closed in on goal, Ricketts lifted the ball over the advancing 'keeper only for Higgs to get a crucial touch to deny the new-boy.
With Paul Hall on in place of Dobson, The Saddlers doubled their advantage when Mooney expertly lifted the ball home into the top corner after Bradley's effort had been blocked.
Richard Money's men were playing some slick stuff as The Robins started to bring a more physical element to the game.
Troy Deeny replaced Ricketts as a foul by Scott Dann gave Cheltenham a free-kick in a dangerous position right on the edge of the area. Alan Wright's inviting ball into the danger zone was met by the head of Dean Sinclair who was just off target.
At the other end, a poor clearance from Higgs deflected into the path of Hall who in turn teed up Wrack from a screaming low strike from distance that Higgs could only push out into the path of Hall who blazed over from a good position.
With six minutes to go, Mooney came off to a richly-deserved standing ovation as Ishmel Demontagnac took his place.
As the game petered out, The Saddlers were well in control. Demontagnac's fierce drive was deflected wide, whilst in the dying seconds, Clayton Ince, after claiming everything that came his way all afternoon, failed to deal with a high ball into the box as the visitors struck the base of the post.
In the end, Walsall claimed a deserved three points with a convincing display against a Cheltenham Town side that will not have enjoyed their first-ever League game against The Saddlers.
PHOTOS: David Linney Photography
