Match report from the the Bescott Stadium

Substitute Will Grigg scored late on to give Walsall a deserved three points in their basement batle with Dagenham & Redbridge.

The hosts, below Daggers in the table heading into the game, showed all the characteristics of their revival under new manager Dean Smith.

The attacking quarter, spearheaded by former Manchester City striker Jon Macken, created numerous chances in both halves, but were frequently thwarted by impressive centre back pairing Mark Arber and Scott Doe or keeper Tony Roberts.

The second half was a relentless wave of Walsall pressure, but the game looked destined to end in a stalemate as the Welsh keeper kept up his recent impressive form.

However, on 82 minutes Macken raced through on goal and held off his marker, before delicately rolling into into the path of Grigg.

The substitute, whose introduction had been booed upon his arrival by home fans disappointed to see Alex Nicholls leave the field.

The young Irishman soon won over the Saddlers faithful though with a composed finish to curl round Roberts and put his side in the lead at a crucial.

Daggers, for whom the loss ended a three-game unbeaten run, threw on Gavin Tomlin late on in search of an equaliser, but the opportunity never came.

In fact, the whole performance was lacking spark from the visiting side who have now missed a valuable opportunity to put daylight between themselves and one of their main relegation rivals.

Daggers: Roberts, Ogogo, Doe, Arber, Ilesanmi, Green (Tomlin, 87 mins), Vincelot, Taiwo, Scannell (Morgan, 69 mins), Nurse, Savage.

Subs not used: McCrory, Currie, Bingham, Walsh, Lewington.

Walsall: Walker, Westlake, Lescott, Lancashire, Richards, Macken, Nicholls (Grigg, 74 mins), Taundry, Gray, Gill, Butler.

Subs not used: McDonald, Smith, Marshall, Paterson, Williams, Bevan.

Referee: Phil Gibbs

Attendance: 3,174, including 120 travelling supporters.