Walsall shock the division with a very hard fought victory over Southampton which lifted them out of the bottom four for the first time since October. The Saddlers gave a debut to Argentine midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma who quickly settled down and showed what a quality act he is. He supported Jon Macken in a new 4-4-1-1 formation.
In the Fourth minute Morgan Schneiderlin tested Jimmy Walker and minutes later saved from Lee Barnard. On 14 minutes Walker was again kept busy when he scrambled to keep Dan Harding's effort. Nine minutes later another fine save by the 37 year-old veteran who inspired his team mates with a terrific display.
Walsall began to get more into the game and on 34 minutes a Richard Taundry free kick forced a save from Saints keeper Kelvin Davis.Then Ledesma lit up the game with a stunning 40 yard volley which just dipped over the bar.
In the early part of the second half Walsall mounted a few more raids and on one Aaron Lescott had a shot deflected for a corner before Julian Gray fired wide. Walker produced the save of the night on 68 minutes when he denied Fonte with a superb point blank stop.Barely a minute later Walsall scored what turned out to be the winner when Lescott supplied a pass to Macken who beat Jaidi and slotted home. The Saints continued to attack Jimmy Walker's goal but Walsall hung on.
