3 mins later another ex-Saddler Chris Shuker fired past a stranded Rene Gilmartin to put Tranmere one up. Then followed a series of niggly fouls from both sides and on 20 mins Walsall were indebted to Clayton Mc Donald with a challenge in his own box.
On 23 mins Alex Nicholls sent over a cross and Darren Byfield headed just wide.A few minutes later Nicholls shot neatly on the half volley that went just wide .On 38 minutes Gilmartin was called into action diving low to save a goal-bound shot. Jamie Vincent was booked on 40 mins for a challenge on Shuker.Just before half time Walsall were on level terms as Richard Taundry crossed for Darren Byfield to score his first goal since his return to Walsall.
Immediately after the restart Saddlers found themselves 2-1 up. Nicholls threaded the ball through and Troy Deeney powered home from just inside the box.Walsall then piled on the pressure forcing 4 corners in 2 mins.
Deeney had a header well saved and Taundry had a shot on goal in a purple patch for the visitors. However Tranmere got more into the game and Ricketts tested Gilmartin who saved easily enough. Disaster struck however on the hour as Alan Mahon scored with a deflected shot which deceived Gilmartin.At the other end Jamie Vincent flashed a cross-come-shot just wide but Walsall did have a shot on target on 66 mins with a sweet turn and shot from Byfield which lacked pace.
Taundry took a knock and limped off replaced by Josh O'Keefe. There was a booking for Westlake soon after however Saddlers went in the lead for the second time thanks to Nicholls again who kept his composure and sent the ball into the path of Deeney who couldn't miss. Deeney had one shot just over and with a one on one with the keeper had too much time and allowed the keeper to save. So a welcome win and three points at last.