A Ross Sykes double boosted Accrington's survival bid and condemned 10-man Walsall to a sixth successive defeat.
Martin O'Connor was overseeing his first game as Saddlers boss following last week's dismissal of Dean Keates, but he could not change their fortunes and they remain second-bottom.
Stanley opened the scoring when a Sean McConville free-kick found the towering defender Sykes who headed past Liam Roberts.
The Reds continued to press, with Jordan Clark firing narrowly wide, and McConville's fierce strike well held by Roberts.
Walsall equalised when Nicky Devlin cut inside and sent in a shot which took a deflection before beating goalkeeper Dimi Evtimov.
Stanley were furious when Billy Kee's powerful headed finish was disallowed for a push.
Sykes got his second following a goalmouth scramble, with Roberts denying him before the 20-year old fired home the rebound.
It got worse for Walsall when Josh Gordon picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent off six minutes from time.
Match report supplied by the Press Association.
