Carlisle 1 Walsall 1 - analysis

It's no mystery and there's no conspiracy. This time the Butler did it.

Crime authors often pick the trusty servant as the culprit in their novels and usually he's bumped off his employer to claim the riches – or something equally devious.

Writers looking for thrills are unlikely to tread a path to draw specialists Walsall any time soon but if they did they would find a real-life Butler as the hero – not the villain.

Saddlers skipper Andy Butler took centre -stage in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle as he went from villain – briefly – to champion.

It was his horror slip which gifted Lee Miller Carlisle's early opener but his response was titanic.

He was a one-man wrecking ball as he sought to redress the balance almost on his own, a captain's performance when Walsall needed it most.

Butler hit the post, had one cleared off the line and won the penalty from which Alex Nicholls claimed a priceless equaliser.

The skipper has been at the heart of Dean Smith's team during the last year and his display at Brunton Park merely reiterated his commitment and loyalty.

He isn't always going to deliver sophisticated silver service but the Saddlers know he will never shy from the challenge – as his robust challenge on Jon-Paul McGovern, which earned him a booking, demonstrated.

Smith admitted afterwards he pleaded with his skipper to calm down in the closing stages in fear he would another card.

And the 28-year-old kept his cool to ensure the Saddlers claimed a draw – their 13th of the season – to move a point above the League One drop zone.

It was an escape for Walsall who were out-played and out-thought for long spells.

A point at play-off chasing Carlisle can be seen as a positive, one gained rather than two dropped, but the Saddlers know they can do better.

It was only after George Bowerman replaced Jon Macken on the hour that they perked up, shaking off the slumber which may have come from the decision to travel the 185 miles north on the day.

Before then Carlisle could have easily been out of sight as McGovern twice struck the bar and James Berrett shot wide.

The hosts had cause to feel aggrieved after their superiority but, regardless of the quality, the Saddlers have guts.

Victories may be hard to come by but with just two defeats in their last 11 league games they are living up to their 'hard to beat' moniker.

Draws offer a platform for wins but – sooner rather than later – Walsall must take them given they have only won once in the same 11-game period.

Eight draws have kept them treading water but will not keep them in League One. With some eminently winnable games on the horizon – starting with Notts County next Tuesday – the Saddlers are entering do-or-die territory.

Smith's boys will need all the willpower they demonstrated in Cumbria if they are to survive, but all signs point to another photo- finish in May.

But they can argue with justification that a point at Carlisle keeps a semblance of momentum going.

Miller's seventh-minute tap-in – after he and McGovern robbed a dallying Butler 30-yards out – looked to set the Cumbrians on their way. But the Saddlers' stubbornness – and the hosts' inability to finish – ensured a point despite a hit-and-miss Walsall display.

McGovern fought his own personal battle with the woodwork and Francois Zoko began to exert his influence in the second half – Jimmy Walker just avoiding bringing him down when he burst through.

Slowly though, the Saddlers fought back and levelled nine minutes from time when Frank Simek barged over Butler – who had earlier seen Zoko hack his header off the line – inside the area.

Nicholls stroked in his sixth of the season – on his 200th appearance – and Richard Taundry almost won it but Adam Collin tipped his injury-time free kick wide.

Victory would have been crime against Carlisle but the Saddlers still stole a point.

By Nick Mashiter