Youngster Keith Thomas's first-half strike was the difference between the sides at a windswept Lyme Valley Stadium.

Thomas volleyed the decisive goal in the 27^th minute from Martin Patterson's centre but City had 'keeper Ben Foster to thank for the victory.

A string of fine saves from Foster kept out the visitors, who pressurised for long periods of the second-half.

The Potters fielded another young reserve side for the game with the experienced Paul Williams, continuing his comeback from injury, marshalling the defence.

There was an early blow, though, when Gareth Owen limped off injured with barely fifteen minutes played.

Walsall began the game brightly with Scott Dann heading over from close range while Scott Musgrove and Carl Dickinson both created chances at the opposite end.

Shortly after a bizarre goalmouth scramble following a half-cleared City set-piece saw both Patterson and Thomas denied by visiting 'keeper Mark Paston.

After creating three chances in as many minutes the deadlock was deservedly broken, when Patterson's cross was volleyed into the net by Thomas. It was a smart finish by the midfielder from a flowing attack.

After the restart Nathan Jameson fired over from the edge of the area as the visitors pressed for an equaliser.

Daryl Taylor then created, and spurned, the two clearest opportunities of the game and the best chances Walsall had to get back into the game.

First, Taylor surged down the City right and into the penalty area, before chipping over the advancing Foster, only to see the ball bounce past the post.

Then the striker saw an almost identical chance from the opposite side of the area bounce wide again.

Patterson then rippled the side-netting with an angled drive while a fingertip save from Foster prevented Jameson's 25 yard-effort from nestling in the top corner.

Two minutes into stoppage time Foster saved substitute David McDermott's shot and City held on for three points.

City: Foster, Swift, Williams, Owen (Quigley, 15), Smith, Denny, Thomas, Dickinson, Palmer, Patterson, Musgrove. Subs: Graves, Duggan, Page.

Walsall: Paston, Willetts, Bewers, Dann, Roper, Taylor, Byrne (McDermott, 83), Jameson, Williams, Broad, Taylor. Subs: Dakinah, Wheeler, Platt, Coleman.