Walsall eased past table toppers Luton Town at Bescot tonight, securing a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Paul Merson and Matty Fryatt.
Merson, who brought in Gary Birch and Michael Standing for the injured Mark Kinsella and jaded Fryatt, opened the scoring after only seven minutes, slotting home Darren Wrack’s right wing cross.
Luton looked for an equaliser and Joe Murphy had to be at his best to turn over a drive from Howard before the striker hit the woodwork with a header.
Matty Fryatt sealed the points after 71 minutes, latching onto a Merson through ball. His initial shot was blocked but fortuitously rebounded off his leg and into the net.
Walsall: Murphy; Wright, Emblen, Bennett, Aranalde; Standing, Osborn, Merson, Wrack; Birch, Leitao (sub Fryatt 58). Subs not used: Paston, Roper, Taylor, Broad.