Walsall 2-0 Port Vale

Sean O'Driscoll succeeded Dean Smith as Walsall head coach on Friday

Sean O'Driscoll began his career as Walsall head coach with victory over Port Vale to go second in League One.

Vale's Richard Duffy had a third-minute effort disallowed for offside after goalkeeper Neil Etheridge had spilled Ryan McGivern's header.

Substitute Jordan Cook put Walsall ahead, slotting home after Jak Alnwick parried Jason Demetriou's shot.

Cook got a second from 12 yards as he reacted quickest after George Evans had kept the ball alive in the box.

Vale had decent opportunities to go ahead, Sam Kelly and AJ Leitch-Smith both having chances saved by Etheridge either side of half-time.

Walsall's Anthony Forde forced a good save from the legs of Alnwick after Cook had teed him up six minutes after the opening goal.

Walsall head coach Sean O'Driscoll told BBC WM 95.6:

"I was just pleased with the way they performed in some senses.

"I said to them before the game 'if you want to impress me, impress me with your attitude and your honesty and your commitment' - and I thought they did.

"I still think they are punching above their weight and I think the second half of the season is going to be a little bit more difficult."