Michael Ricketts grabbed a double and Steve Roberts added another as Walsall earned a first away win of the season.

The Saddlers all but had the game wrapped up by the break as Ricketts turned home from close range and then Roberts headed home brilliantly.

Steve Elliott did pull one back with a stunning volley from Stuart Campbell's corner with 15 minutes left.

But Byron Anthony saw red in injury time after bringing down Troy Deeney and Ricketts fired home the penalty.

Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Lescott, Anthony, Elliott, Pipe (Ryan Green 79), Lines (Kuffour 63), Campbell, Disley, Hughes, Lambert, Duffy (Hunt 76).
Subs Not Used: Mike Green, Hinton.

Sent Off: Anthony (90).

Goals: Elliott 76.

Walsall: Ince, Weston, Roberts, Gerrard (Palmer 11), Sansara, Nicholls, Mattis, Taundry, Reich (Deeney 61), Ibehre (Demontagnac 71), Ricketts.
Subs Not Used: Gilmartin, Bradley.

Booked: Ibehre, Ince, Weston.

Goals: Ricketts 10, Roberts 24, Ricketts 90 pen.

Att: 6,609

Ref: Mike Russell (Hertfordshire).