Following Tuesday evening's Sky Bet League One clash with Swindon Town, Bescot Banter columnist Scott Brotherton shares his Match Report;Walsall clearly had bags of confidence and started in a sprightly manner. Hat-trick hero at Notts County, Febian Brandy couldn't add to his tally early on as he hit a dipping half volley just over from Craig Westcarr's clever switchback through ball.
Milan Lalkovic then sent in a delicious floated cross from the left but Westcarr's header cleared the goal; he just couldn't jump high enough to get over the ball.
The attacking continued and Brandy's chipped ball fell to Lalkovic. The Slovakian had time to set himself for the volley which was eventually deflected well over.
In contrast Swindon were a weak force, and only troubled Richard O'Donnell with a tame shot which was easily gathered.
The Robins were handed another chance moments later though courtesy of Sawyers. He was too casual in giving away possession and will have been glad to see the ball skied into the stands by Massimo Luongo.
Swindon then pinged in a free kick from the halfway line and Darren Ward got on the end of it but he was unlucky that the header dropped narrowly wide.
Not that Walsall were slacking off yet. Westcarr span and stabbed one goalward from the edge of the area and the visitors did look unsure at the back.
After a further period of encouraging play from Walsall, Sawyers netted to put them into the lead on 37 minutes.
The striker executed a brilliant one-two with Westcarr that took the defence completely out of the equation, and Sawyers then coolly slotted under Wes Foderingham.
It says a lot about the club and its fans' sense of humour that they began to chant 'we are staying up' after the opener. I think it's safe to say that won't be a problem this season and it shows how much things have changed recently.
Walsall were still on top at the break and Brandy struck a fierce half volley that could have doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, but keeper Foderingham managed to tip it round the post.
H/T: Walsall 1 Swindon Town 0
There was a quiet period at the start of the second 45 and just before the hour the game sparked back into life when Sam Mantom teed up Brandy, who came racing into the box but the goalkeeper was equal to his effort.
Swindon could only muster shots that were either way off target or tame and their attempts summed up their attacking threat so far.
However, Walsall were dropping deep and inviting the pressure so it was no surprise when Mark Cooper's Robins were level in the 71st minute.
The ball was crossed back into the danger area after several semi-clearances from the Saddlers and Smith was completely unmarked to head low past O'Donnell.
Westcarr responded by blasting miles over in an attempt to instantly regain the lead, and a neat move then culminated in Sawyers striking one comfortably wide of the post.
Brandy won a free kick in a promising position but Westcarr slammed his shot straight into the wall.
If Andy Taylor was fit you sense that it could have presented a real opportunity with his wand of a left foot, as the angle was a bit awkward for the striker to work with.
Taylor has had an adequate replacement in young Mal Benning though, and with time running out the left-back went on a run and smashed his effort across goal and wide from 25 yards.
Substitute Ashley Hemmings had Walsall's last throw of the dice in stoppage time with a real piledriver. His shot came from range and completely out of the blue, clipping the crossbar as it flew over.
The Saddlers' performance levels had dipped significantly in the second half and based on that they probably did not warrant all three points.
Deano's men stay sixth but could slip out of the play-offs depending on how Peterborough get on in their game in hand.
F/T: Walsall 1 (Sawyers 37') Swindon Town 1 (Smith 71')
Attendance: 4,059
Referee: Mark Brown
By: Scott Brotherton