George Ndah's fortunate strike for Wolves proved to be the winner against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

Wolves should have run out more comfortable winners but their lack of finishing power and a number of crucial saves from James Walker denied them a bigger margin of victory.

The visitors dominated for long periods in the first half and wasted a number of chances to convert the pressure into goals.

Denis Irwin forced a brilliant save from Walker while moments later Shaun Newton sent the ball over the crossbar.

Deserved

Walsall had their moments and they nearly took a shock lead when Newton gave away a free-kick following a foul on Zigor Aranalde.

Sonner stepped up to take the kick and keeper Matt Murray had to produce a brilliant save to stop Walsall going ahead.

The Saddlers' defence were called into action moments into the second half when Kenny Miller and Ndah both went close.

Mark Kennedy was proving to be the thorn in the Saddlers' side, testing their defence on several occasions and his best chance came from a corner only for Aranalde clear.

Walsall skipper Martin O'Connor gave his side some hope when his free-kick needed Butler's intervention to stop them going ahead.

But Wolves got the goal they deserved after 64 minutes when Matt Carbon's backpass bobbled under the feet of keeper Walker, allowing Ndah to tap the ball in from close range.

Walsall: Walker, Bazeley, Roper, Carbon, Aranalde, Sonner, O'Connor, Hay, Wrack, Junior, Zdrilic. Subs: Ward, Corica, Matias, Simpson, Emblen.

Wolverhampton: Murray, Cameron, Lescott, Butler, Irwin, Newton, Ince, Naylor, Kennedy, Miller, Ndah. Subs: Oakes, Clyde, Cooper, Rae, Proudlock.

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire)