Gary Ablett recalled George Donnelly for the visit of Walsall; Paul Turnbull was the player who made way.

The County chief also made a change of the bench with Danny Rowe, who had a terrific game in Wednesday's Manchester Senior Cup tie against Bury, replacing Sam Hare.

The Hatters should have taken the lead inside 20 seconds when David Perkins rolled a pass to George Donnelly; from inside the area the striker didn't really get hold of his left-foot shot allowing Rene Gilmartin to save.

Two minutes later Julian Gray hit a volley from the left just wide.

County, passing the ball well, were soon back on the attack and Jemal Johnson wasn't too far away when he cut in from the right and shot wide.

After going 588 minutes without a goal the Hatters broke their duck 19 minutes in. Paul Huntington's shot, following a corner from the left, was handled on the line by Try Deeney. Deeney was red-carded and Jabo Ibehre confidently dispatched the penalty.

A brilliant run from Richie Partridge saw him skip past three defenders. He then spotted Gilmartin off his line but his audacious chip just cleared the bar.

From the restart Walsall could easily have levelled. Darren Byfield got in behind Danny Swailes and hit a low shot across Owain Fon Williams; the Welshman stuck out his right leg, though, to make a crucial save.

Within a minute County should have doubled their advantage. Ibehre sent Johnson racing into the box who pulled the ball back to James Vincent who hit his 10-yard shot too close to Gilmartin who made another fine save.

The visitors stunned Edgeley Park with a shock equaliser just after the break when Gray was given space to volley home at the far post.

It was the last time the Saddlers threatened as County totally dominated the remainder of the game.

Donnelly shot over from 25 yards on 48; two minutes later the lively Johnson forced Gilmartin into another save.

Mullins and Donnelly then set up a golden chance for Partridge who shot over.

Johnson hit a left-footer just wide and then Ibehre shot wide as the Hatters continued to lay siege on the visitors' goal.

Paul Turnbull was next to force Gilmartin into a save from 25 yards just after the hour. Seven minutes later Vincent saw his volley dip just over.

Ibehre then cleverly laid the ball back to Johnson who shot into the side net.

Johnson came even closer ten minutes from time, once again Gilmartin denied him with a terrific save.

The Hatters had three golden chances to win the game in added time. Swailes headed Johnson's corner wide, Ibehre saw a shot deflected inches wide and, right at the death, Donnelly shot wide when well placed.