Walsall were knocked off the top of League Two for the first time in four months as Port Vale leapfrogged them with a 3-2 victory at the Bescot Stadium.
All five goals came in the first half as Vale claimed a fifth win in six and extended Walsall’s winless run to nine games.
Walsall had a goal disallowed inside 12 seconds, Jamille Matt’s header from Liam Gordon’s cross ruled out for a push.
Vale led on four minutes as Lorent Tolaj’s overhead kick crashed off a post and in off goalkeeper Sam Hornby.
Walsall levelled three minutes later as Taylor Allen tucked home a penalty after Jayden Stockley’s handball.
They home side were ahead on 11 minutes as Levi Amantchi held off a defender to slot home Oisin McEntee’s cross.
A clean-through Amantchi was denied a second by Ben Amos’ fingertips before Vale equalised on 41 minutes as Ben Garrity smashed home from a long throw.
Vale went back in front in first-half stoppage time, Tolaj netting from the spot after being brought down by McEntee.
They kept the hosts quiet after the break and could have added a fourth late on, Garrity’s classy volley well tipped over by Hornby.
