THE SADDLERS cut high-flying Nottingham Forest down to size with an excellent performance to win 1-0 courtesy of Michael Ricketts' goal early in the second half.
Some good work by Peter Sweeney in the sixth minute saw him tee up Darren Wrack for a low strike which was dragged well wide.
At the other end, Matt Lockwood's drive from distance flew inches wide with Clayton Ince rooted to the spot.
On 13 minutes, Tommy Mooney found space in between the heart of the Forest back-line but put his effort wide under pressure.
After Lewis McGugan put an effort over from just outside the area for the visitors, there was a real let-off for The Saddlers when Chris Cohen's left wing cross found Nathan Tyson in space but he headed wide.
Peter Sweeney, who was making his home debut, twisted an turned well on 23 minutes before firing off target as both teams looked to play neat football without testing either 'keeper.
A low ball in from the right by Sammy Clingan on 42 minutes was scooped over from close range by Tyson.
With half-time approaching, Mooney nearly played in strike partner, Michael Ricketts who was beaten to it by Kelvin Wilson.
The last action saw Kris Commons put a header wide from another inviting cross from the Forest right as the visitors ended strongly.
It didn't take The Saddlers long to take the lead after the restart when a poor header back on 47 minutes was seized upon by Ricketts who powered forward before firing home beyond Paul Smith.
Just past the hour-mark, Mooney made a purposeful dart across the edge of the area before getting in a strike that flew over.
Forest's delivery from corners was impressive and as a flag-kick was only-half cleared to Commons, he tried his luck from a difficuly angle but was well off target.
Then a quality ball in from the left evaded Ince but was headed wide under pressure from Tyson.
Weston was booked for a late challenge as the visitors pushed on in search of an equaliser. However, they found Richard Money's men in stubborn and determined mood as we battled away well.
With just over ten minutes to go, Forest won a free-kick in a dangerous position but The Saddlers managed to clear their lines.
There was a change on 81 minutes as Paul Hall replaced Sonko and soon afterwards a marauding run from Daniel Fox, who had his head bandaged following an earlier clash with Scott Dann, ended with him almost playing in Ricketts as Forest scrambled clear.
The Saddlers had the ball in the net on 85 minutes when Ricketts went up to challenge Smith from a high ball forward but his effort was ruled out by the assistant referee's flag for a foul.
As the clock ticked down, Ricketts used his experience to win a free-kick in a dangerous position which he took himself and curled narrowly over the crossbar.
On the stroke of full-time, Sweeney showed some more good skill to set himself up for a shooting chance that flew over the crossbar.
Within seconds the final whistle sounded to give Walsall a fantastic victory.
PHOTOS: David Linney Photography
