Leyton Orient 2 Walsall 0

Sean Thornton's second half double sunk Walsall as the Saddlers failed to fire at Leyton Orient.

The former Premier League midfielder struck twice in 10 minutes to settle a mediocre game which highlighted both sides' limitations.

Despite a bright opening the Saddlers couldn't conjure a meaningful chance while Orient took their two opportunities – leaving Walsall floundering in mid-table.

Netan Sansara replaced the suspended Matt Richards and Rhys Weston's hamstring injury saw Darryl Westlake return to the starting line up, in the only changes from last weekend's 2-2 with Millwall.

Both sides had won just three times since the start of December and the Saddlers were looking to break back into the top 10.

Orient needed a win to ease their relegation fears and both teams traded chances in an even opening.

Goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin saved well from Aaron Doran and Jonathan Tehoue early on, while Troy Deeney's touch let him down in a good position.

With 25 minutes gone neither side had carved out a decent opening, indicative of their respective recent form.

The Saddlers had seen plenty of possession but lacked a cutting edge, and were reliant on Gilmartin to save from Tehoue after the striker escaped in the box.

Orient looked the more creative going forward and Charlie Daniels hit the side netting after Sansara's poor clearance on the half hour.

Doran lashed another over in injury time and Alex Nicholls blasted one into the crowd, at the end of a first -half which desperately lacked inspiration.

The Saddlers needed a spark going forward and a neat move between Deeney and Julian Gray ended with the winger shooting off target after 52 minutes.

But the visitors fell behind 11 minutes later when Orient netted out of the blue, as Doran skipped round the back and his scuffed effort fell on a plate for Thornton to slide in from six yards.

To say a goal, from either side, was coming would have been a lie but the Saddlers now had to come out of their attacking shell.

But Thornton grabbed a second on 73 minutes and it was all too easy. Tehoue slipped and the ball ran to the midfielder, who was given time to advance and slip a shot under Gilmartin.

The Saddlers couldn't respond and Scott McGleish's fizzing long range effort almost made it 3-0 at the death.