JERMAINE Beckford was the difference as The Saddlers slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Leeds United.

Richard Money's men started by having plenty of early possession, however it was the home side who had the best chance when Beckford, who moments earlier was caught offside as he looked to break through The Saddlers' back-line, twisted and turned on the edge of the area before getting in an effort that flew just over.

On ten minutes Ankergren in the Leeds goal had to be alert to gather on the edge of his area as Kevin Betsy chased a through-ball. At the other end, Clayton Ince gathered David Prutton's long-range attempt without too many problems.

A teasing ball into the danger zone by Dougie Freedman required Ince to punch clear as Walsall managed to clear their lines. In the next attack, a probing ball forward by Prutton was almost latched onto by Beckford but Ince was on hand to deal with the danger.

The home side took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Neil Kilkenny played in Beckford who found space before rounding Ince and stroking the ball home despite Anthony Gerrard's best efforts to clear off the line.

As the half came to a close, the lively Prutton saw a drive from distance pushed out well by Ince.

The second period began with the Walsall faithful still in good voice, but it was Leeds who started the half with purpose and Ince saved well from Freedman.

The Saddlers won a couple of free-kicks in promising positions, the second of which from Lee Holmes dipped just off target with the home 'keeper struggling.

At the other end, a cross from the left by Prutton was met with a deft header from the wily Freedman but Ince was able to deny him.

Walsall were enjoying their best spell of the game at this stage and some good play out wide by Holmes saw him beat his marker before crossing low where the ball found its way to Tommy Mooney via Betsy but the skipper blazed over from a good position in front of goal.

There was a change as Mark Bradley replaced Darren Wrack on 63 minutes. Shortly afterwards Alan Sheenan hit a powerful free-kick for the home side which Ince did well to push over the crossbar. Two corner kicks followed and the second of which sparked a melee in front of goal which ended with Ludo Michalik firing over.

With 20 minutes to go, Kilkenny saw a header saved by Ince as Brad Johnson looked to guide the loose ball home only for Bradley to clear off the line.

Stefan Moore replaced Mooney and with Walsall enjoying most of the possession, the home side broke away to seal the game as Beckford seized upon some hesitation in defence to fire beyond Ince.

The closing stages saw Howson's shot deflected just over after Paul Boertien gave the ball away as Richard Money's men slipped to a defeat in front of the live television cameras.