Goals from Daniel Kanu and Priestley Farquharson were enough as this win marked a strong response after last week’s defeat to Colchester and extended Harrogate’s streak to four consecutive home league wins.

In the early stages of the match, Harrogate’s goalkeeper James Belshaw was in fine form, making brilliant saves to thwart efforts from Ryan Finnigan and Charlie Lakin.

Defender Anthony O’Connor also came to his team’s rescue, clearing another shot from Lakin off the line. Eventually, Walsall broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. Jamille Matt’s clever lay-off allowed Kanu to skillfully evade O’Connor’s challenge, leaving Warren Burrell on the ground before calmly rolling the ball into the bottom-right corner past Belshaw from 10 yards out.

As the second half began, Shawn McCoulsky managed to deliver Harrogate’s only shot on target, but Walsall keeper Myles Roberts was up to the task.

Farquharson sealed the victory in the 87th minute, rising high in the six-yard box to connect with Finnigan’s left-wing corner, powering in a decisive header that put the match beyond doubt.