Walsall continued their impressive start to the season by holding out for a hard-fought, entertaining win over Accrington.

The hosts went ahead after eight minutes, Reece Smith tucking home the rebound after Stanley keeper Louie Moulden saved smartly from Aaron Pressley.

The advantage lasted just four minutes as Saddlers keeper Jed Ward spilled Alex Henderson's long-range free-kick and Josh Woods gobbled up the loose ball from close range.

Walsall regained the lead in the sixth minute of first-half added time, Harrison Burke arrowing a fine header over Moulden from Mason Hancock's cross.

Stanley started the second half well as Donald Love stung Ward's palms but Walsall made it 3-1 on 53 minutes as Pressley nodded in Smith's deep cross to the back post.

Accrington pulled one back four minutes later, substitute Stefan Mols tapping in at the far post after Woods' curler deflected into his path.

Stanley pressed for a leveller but Ward foiled rockets from Joe Anderson and Woods, while Charlie Caton headed a big opportunity wide and Woods fluffed another great chance with seconds left.

Report supplied by PA Media.

Figure caption,

Grant: 'Really proud of the group'

Figure caption,

Doolan: 'The lads gave everything'

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