Jason McAteer put promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers back on track with an inspired goalscoring performance.
Following two bad away defeats, Tranmere clawed their way back into contention with a solid performance which highlighted the major difference between the two teams.
Brian Little, Tranmere's manager, said: "The first half was tight but the longer the game progressed the stronger we became and we had a lot of possession.
"I was pleased with the result after our recent poor away performances, and I was impressed with the way we came out on top.
"Young Ryan Taylor displayed why he is such a good prospect and I feel he can score a lot more goals."
Paul Merson, Walsall's player-manager, was not so happy with the outcome and admitted: "I'm very disappointed. We were all over the place in the last 30 minutes.
"I wasn't happy and I am not going to stand for such performances.Too many players jacked it in during the second half and there is no way we can get out of this division if players are not mentally strong."
Walsall, who suffered their second successive defeat, played like a mid-table side and rarely troubled the Merseysiders.
McAteer, the former Liverpool and Bolton player, notched his 57th minute goal with all the old assurance of his Anfield days, and Tranmere capped their display with a second goal from Taylor seven minutes from time.
Earlier, In a goalless first half neither side could make any real impact.
Most of the play revolved around Paul Merson and McAteer, who had previously
plied their trade in the top division.
Walsall, however, felt they were robbed of a possible goal in the 18th minute when Jorge Leitao was brought down by Ian Sharps. The referee declined to give a free-kick which upset Merson to such an extent that he became the first player to collect a yellow card.
Tranmere's recent form was generally reflected in the first half when
they produced some neat, attractive football with Ryan Taylor often catching
the eye.
It was Taylor who set up a gilt edged opportunity for Theo Whitmore, but the powerfully-built midfielder guided his shot over the bar.
Walsall's young on-loan Manchester United defender, Paul McShane, enjoyed
mixed fortunes. He had a bright start but tailed off following some indifferent
passing.
In the 57th minute the youngster blocked a ball which cannoned across the
other side of the field into the path of McAteer, who notched his second goal
of the season with a cracking shot from 30 yards.
Tranmere's second goal highlighted Walsall's problems when Joe Murphy
completely misjudged a long-range cross from Taylor which went in over
the keeper's shoulder.