Preston 0 Walsall 0 - match analysis

So often Walsall have drawn a blank when asked about their struggles. Now the blanks can save their season.

Countless questions about their capabilities have been met with answers on fine lines, decisions and luck without ever pinpointing exactly where the problems lie.

The Saddlers have always insisted they are good enough to survive in League One but have been unable to say why they haven't scored enough goals, created enough chances or won enough games.

But, after Saturday's stalemate at Preston, one thing is for sure. They have the sixth best defence in the division – one which has conceded just 36 goals and can keep them up.

Three consecutive clean sheets for the first time in a year extended an unbeaten run to three games.

A defensive change of personnel has brought on the extra solidity with David Grof, Oliver Lancashire and Richard Taundry – more on him later – excelling.

Their resilience has never been in doubt, only their profligacy and 30 shots with no goals at Deepdale highlights that.

But to focus on the negatives would be wrong. They have vital momentum going into a make or break month of eight games.

And there has been a reassuring familiarity to the last three matches – the spark which inhabited Dean Smith's team last season has returned. Florent Cuvelier and Jamie Paterson's youthful flair is backed up by Andy Butler and Jon Macken's gritty experience.

The reshuffle which has accommodated Stoke loanee Cuvelier, a blossoming talent, has worked with Kevan Hurst, Lancashire and Taundry all offering fresh balance.

And to say it was two points dropped shows the strides – however big or small – the Saddlers have made over the last 10 days.

Had Walsall been offered seven points from three games, undoubtedly they would have accepted. Exeter, Yeovil and Tranmere are now in their sights – and Walsall still have to play all three.

There haven't been many 'good old days' in Walsall's most recent history but Saturday was almost as good as it got. Almost.

All is still not well in Walsall's world – the league position underlines that – but there is light at the end of that very long tunnel.

Organised, robust and threatening, the Saddlers were better than a Preston team still finding their feet under Graham Westley.

Had it not been for wayward finishing, by Cuvelier of all people, Walsall would have snatched the points – and deservedly so.

The loanee, with two goals in his previous three games, fired agonisingly wide after bursting clean through just before the hour.

It was the one golden chance of a game which also saw Lancashire and Paterson go close. Paterson also had an effort deflected onto the bar as obstinate Preston stood firm and Thorsten Stuckmann's fingertip save denied Lee Beevers at the death.

But the hosts will remember the game only for the sickening injury to Adam Barton when his left leg crumbled under Taundry's hard – but fair – challenge 18 minutes in.

The midfielder required 11 minutes of treatment, including oxygen, after breaking his leg in two places and dislocating his ankle.

Both teams' thoughts were with him, not least those of Taundry who recoiled at the nature of the injury.

Afterwards, he offered his thoughts and apologies but there was no lynch mob. He had shown no malice or intent and it was a sign of the player's growing maturity that he posted another fine display after being visibly affected by Barton's agony.

What has held him back are the inconsistencies which come from not cementing a regular role in the team. Necessity has forced the utility man into the middle, out wide and now to right-back – a position in which he expected to start the season. But a concerted run in a role in which he looks at home should leave the 23-year-old free to find his form.

He was caught out a couple of times at Scunthorpe as he found his bearings but at Deepdale excelled in his role. He is part of a defence which is good enough for promotion. Now Walsall must prove overall that they are too good for relegation.

By Nick Mashiter