Battling Walsall extended their unbeaten run to three games-for the first time this season-in the hard fought 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane, Notts County thanks to an 88th minute goal from Alex Nicholls after former West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes had fired The Magpies into a 64th minute lead. Veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Walker returned in place of youngster David Bevan and he was instrumental in The Saddlers hard-won point with a series of fine saves.
In the 10th minute Walsall should have been awarded a penalty when new loan signing Jason Price was clearly pushed in the box by Mike Edwards. Walsall haven't been awarded a penalty since August 2009 and somehow referees constantly refuse to award one to The Saddlers.
The home side gradually got into their stride with Neal Bishop going closer with a header and then Aaron Lescott having to make a goaline-saving clearance from David Martin. After 25 minutes, former Walsall youngster Karl Hawley set up by Lee Hughes, scuffed his shot wide.
On the half hour mark Jimmy Walker twice produced splended saves to deny County.Not much was being seen of Walsall as an attacking threat although Matt Gill did get in one weak shot which was saved easily enough by Stuart Nelson.
Then came Notts goal. David Martin swung over a corner and there was Lee Hughes to glance home. A few weeks ago Walsall would have buckled but under Dean Smith they are made of sterner stuff and on 88 minutes Alex Nicholls fired in an angled shot that went under Nelson to give Walsall a share of the points
