Analysis: Walsall produce late show against Newport to cap memorable week under Darren Byfield

That fusion came together in the most dramatic of moments when Pattison drove a stunning half-volley into the bottom corner from 25 yards out in the dying seconds. 

In the process, Walsall ended a run of eight home matches without a win and have registered seven points from a possible nine with Byfield in interim charge.

Bescot erupted and players and supporters embraced one another in yet another example of how Byfield has managed to recapture the supporters since replacing Mat Sadler. 

The energy of the fan base starts with the players. That was the message from Byfield and the players followed suit by providing them with a memorable late show to savour. 

The goal for Pattison was just reward for a stellar display. He was the heart of everything on his first start since a 2-0 home defeat against MK Dons on February 23 and looked eager to prove a point on his return to the XI. 

Pattison has been the first to acknowledge that he had not quite been able to hit the heights since joining from Bradford City in January. 

But he has gracefully accepted - albeit perhaps reluctantly - the fact that he has had to start six of the past seven games on the bench. 

Yet his cameos from the bench in the past week: an assist for Albert Adomah in the 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandra and a tenacious display in the midweek stalemate against Cambridge was enough to persuade Byfield to start him. 

And Pattison covered every glade of grass on the Bescot pitch in response - while simultaneously serving as the creative heartbeat of the team. 

Walsall struggled to create at times in the first half, but it was clear that Pattison was the likeliest outlet whenever they did. 

At 0-0, Pattison slotted a sumptuous through ball into the path of Albert Adomdah, who was starting his third game in the space of a week, and slammed a low shot against the post. 

The performance was by no means poor in the first half, but they were guilty of turning the ball over too often, and paid the price when the returning Alfie Chang was caught in possession. 

Newport broke down the right and James Crole beat Harrison Burke for pace to reach the byline. Kacper Lopata was caught in two minds whether to close down, or pick up a man, but instead did neither. 

Harrison Biggins profited from his indecisiveness when he stole a march into the six-yard box to convert the eventual cross. 

Suddenly, Walsall had to tame the storm, and Myles Roberts sprung into action with an excellent save to thwart Biggins' from distance.

One of the most refreshing changes under Byfield has been his proactive approach to substitutions and he once again turned the tide from the bench. 

Aden Flint provided an air of composure and experience, and settled down the defence following his introduction 10 minutes into the second half. 

That defensive solidity provided Walsall with the platform to attack and Kanu duly delivered the equaliser with his first goal in eight games. 

It was his longest drought without a goal, but Walsall packed the box when Mason Hancock broke down the left. Aaron Loupalo-Bi was on the prowl and helped it on to Pattison after the space to shoot never really presented itself. 

Kanu drifted between a pair of Newport defenders to latch on to a toe-poked delivery from Pattison and lift an unerring finish over goalkeeper Jordan Wright.

Charlie Lakin took over from Chang at the base of midfield and Jamie Jellis provided Walsall with an injection of energy in the centre of the park. 

Aaron Pressley served as a focal point in attack and Kanu helped stretch the visiting defence once he switched to the left wing. 

Walsall were the team pushing and Pattison was the architect. He embarked on a rampaging run through the centre of the Newport back-line and saw his finish foiled by Wright after his initial effort by been blocked. 

Jid Okeke took over from the ageless Adomah for the closing stages and Walsall showed the type of spirit required to pick up results when the stakes are high. 

Performing under pressure has always been a question mark levelled at Walsall during Sadler's reign, but bravery has been the new buzzword with Byfield at the helm. 

And that is exactly what they showed when they launched bodies forward despite the prospect of Newport catching them cold. 

The result? Walsall forced a corner, and moments later, they were ahead with virtually the final kick of the game. 

Byfield said afterwards that the feeling surpassed scoring himself in the 2001 Second Division play-off final at the Millennium Stadium. 

Regardless, Byfield is threatening to install another memorable chapter in his remarkable story with the club, which he describes as "his". 

The feel-good factor is back and Walsall have seven games left to continue their mini-revival under Byfield.