Ian Roper scored deep into injury time to salvage a point for Walsall.

The Saddlers dominated the first half and Crewe goalkeeper Benn Williams made two good stops to deny Tommy Mooney.

But it was Crewe who took the lead when Nicky Maynard turned quickly on to a pass from Tom Pope and rifled his shot high into the net.

Walsall looked to be heading for defeat until Roper forced the ball over the line from close-range after Anthony Gerrard had met a Lee Holmes corner.

Walsall: Ince, Weston, Roper, Gerrard, Boertien, Sonko (N'Dour 69), Dobson, Wrack (Deeney 57), Holmes, Mooney, Betsy (Nicholls 57).
Subs Not Used: Bossu, Smith.

Booked: Roper, Betsy.

Goals: Roper 90.

Crewe: Williams, Abbey, Woodards, Baudet, Boyle, O'Connor (Moore 90), Lunt, Roberts, Maynard, Pope, Morgan (Schumacher 88).
Subs Not Used: Bopp, Bailey, Anyinsah.

Goals: Maynard 61.

Att: 4,741

Ref: Fred Graham (Essex).