Martin Butler's second-half goal earned Walsall victory at Rochdale. The visitors had the better chances, not least when Hector Sam intercepted a poor backpass only for goalkeeper Matt Gilks to recover.
Mark Wright and Butler both came close
with volleys while Gilks made a fine save from Anthony Gerrard.
Just after the break Sam played in Butler who fired home to see off Rochdale, who only really threatened through two Rickie Lambert free-kicks.
Rochdale: Gilks, Ramsden, Stanton, Boardman, Goodall, Clarke (Brown 69), Doolan, Cooksey, Rundle (Moyo-Modise 82), Christie (Dagnall 82), Lambert.
Subs Not Used: Edge, Crooks.
Walsall: Ince, Pead, Gerrard, Picken, Taylor, Wright, Kinsella (Keates 87), Dobson, Fox, Butler, Sam (Constable 90).
Subs Not Used: Mckeown, Demontagnac, Dann.
Booked: Picken.
Goals: Butler 48.
Att: 3,218
Ref: D Foster (Tyne & Wear).
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