Walsall earn surprise win over Preston North End

Walsall earned themselves an unlikely 3-1 victory over 10-man Preston at the Bescot Stadium on Saturday.

Walsall took an early lead after Romaine Sawyers slotted home in the seventh minute, after a neat through ball from Adam Chambers.

Sawyers was recently on international duty with St Kitts and Nevis and looked the most likely to add to his opening goal.

Preston looked more and more lively as the first half went on and their moment came in the 36th minute, when Joe Garner scored from distance to make it 1-1.

It took just four minutes of the second half for the Saddlers to restore their lead with a well-worked goal, as a right-sided cross from Anthony Forde was met by Tom Bradshaw, who made no mistake.

The goal didn't spark Preston, who were unbeaten in five League One matches since the start of the season prior to kickoff, back into life and it was the home side who looked the hungrier.

Matters were made more difficult for Simon Grayson's men after Jordan Hugill was sent off for appearing to headbutt Andy Butler.

The hosts did not take long to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Paul Downing headed home from a Forde corner to extend their lead.

Preston pressed hard late on with chances for Jack O'Connell and Garner, but Walsall had done enough to earn the three points.