Analysis of Walsall 2 MK Dons 1

One small step but one giant leap forward - a season which started with apprehension ended in optimism.

With the highest finish for six years in the bag Walsall, for the first time in a long while, can look towards the summer without trepidation.

Saturday's comeback victory over Milton Keynes Dons netted them 10th spot in League One and at this time of year the season usually ends with a whimper and relief.

But now the Saddlers have something tangible to take with them.

The campaign must be labelled a success, it has to be. Success is relative and joint ninth must be marked down as an achievement. The players are revitalised, rejuvenated, the only disappointment is that is came too late to reach the play-offs.

The Saddlers aren't going to win team of the year and there won't be any national plaudits, but when the dust settles they can sit back and feel proud. A point and three places better off than last season, so small but so big in so many ways.

Paradoxically, as the dissent from the stands rose the team's performances improved.

There's no rhyme or reason and it is purely coincidental as the management and players block it out but it was, for once, good to have an atmosphere - even for the wrong reasons.

Though the cat calls and chants from fans are unlikely to unnerve the Banks's Stadium hierarchy.

They are not untouchable and the board must show some humility - we're ready when you are Jeff - and the irony of the 'freedom of speech' banner being torn down wasn't missed.

Both sides are tired of being associated with each other, but there needs to be a hefty dose of realism because the players and management have worked wonders.

Now, the management meet the players today where fates are decided. Hutchings wants to stop the Saddlers' revolving door policy of old. What the Walsall chief doesn't want is another rebuilding job and with luck he won't.

The Saddlers refused to go quietly in Saturday's finale as they finished with five wins from their last five home games. They were caught cold on 26 minutes when Jermaine Easter, played onside by Hughes, sprang clear.

Goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin did well to block his initial shot, but the hosts failed to react to the second ball and Darren Powell found the corner.

The home side levelled just 70 seconds after the restart, when Deeney teed up Richards to curl a first time effort past the static goalkeeper Stuart Searle.

Five minutes from time, Walsall grabbed a second. Jones' header was turned over by Searle and when the resulting corner was returned to the winger to cross for Smith to steal in and win it.

By Nick Mashiter