Taking place at the newly-named Poundland Bescot Stadium, the Saddlers went into the match with a new ownership group, new squad, and new hope as they looked to kick-off their 2022/23 campaign with a win.
The Saddlers started the game fairly slowly as their opponents prodded and probed for an opening, but it was Michael Flynn's side who grabbed the opening goal of the game as summer signing Brandon Comley's effort deflected home following a well-worked set piece.
The second goal of the game also went the Walsall way as on-loan Mansfield Town striker Danny Johnson opened his account for the season as he slotted home after his initial effort saw saved by the 'keeper.
The Saddlers trebled their lead in the second-half as that man Danny Johnson added his second of the contest, putting the same beyond the visitors.
Walsall weren't done there, as Danny Johnson grabbed his third and the Saddlers' fourth of the game, the visitors simply unable to prevent their hosts from taking all three points on a wonderful opening day delight.
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO
| WALSALL | 4-0 | HARTLEPOOL UNITED |
| COMLEY (21) JOHNSON (27) JOHNSON (59') JOHNSON (73') |
GOALS | |
| 48 | POSS (%) | 52 |
| 21 | SHOTS (TOTAL) | 4 |
| 11 | SHOTS (ON TARGET) | 2 |
| 8 | CORNERS | 2 |
| 8 | FOULS | 13 |
| 0 | YELLOW CARDS | 2 |
| 0 | RED CARDS | 0 |
| AT | POUNDLAND BESCOT STADIUM |
| ATTENDANCE | 5,754 (572) |
| REFEREE | LEE SWABEY |
WALSALL
Evans; Daniels (Bennett, 68'), P.Clarke, Monthé; White, Kinsella, Comley (Earing, 68'), Allen; Hutchinson (Maher, 80'); Williams (Abraham, 80'), Johnson (James-Taylor, 74')
Unused: Przybek; F.Clarke
HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Killip; Tumilty (Sterry. 73'), Lacey 🟨, Murray, Ferguson 🟨, Niang, Cooke, Featherstone, Hastie, Taylor (Hamilton, 55'), Umerah
Unused: Letheren, Peterson, Crawford, Shelton