TROY Deeney scored after 32 minutes to put Walsall ahead at half-time in their League 1 clash with Hereford United.

Walsall made much of the early running and, after Troy Deeney had sent a shot a yard, Jabo Ibehre headed just over.

The Saddlers, eager to impress new boss Chris Hutchings, forced five corners in the opening exchanges but the Hereford defence held firm.

Hereford gradually settled and should have opened the scoring on 23 minutes.

Andy Williams seized on a slip by Anthony Gerrard and raced into the Walsall area.

As he rounded Clayton Ince, the keeper brought him down and, although Williams got to his feet, his shot was blocked away by a defender.

Only referee Karl Evans will know why he did not give a penalty.

Shortly afterwards, Myrie-Williams, who produced some threatening runs, cut through the Saddlers defence before shooting back across goal.

But the winger’s effort grazed a post and went behind.

Kris Taylor’s curling free-kick, after a foul on Williams, was comfortably held by Ince.

And Williams sent a volley flashing just wide after a superb pass from Steve Guinan sent him away.

But, to prove the old adage that you have to score in your good spells, Walsall broke out to claim the first goal.

The dangerous Sofiene Zaaboub cut through the Bulls defence and delivered a cross which Deeney could not fail to convert from three yards.

Guinan saw a shot saved well just after the goal but Hereford’s luck was out again a minute before the interval.

Williams got around the back of the defence and dragged the ball back to Smith whose shot from 15 yards was cleared off the line by defender Chris Palmer with Ince beaten.