Ledesma leads Saddlers' charge

Emmanuel Ledesma scored twice as Walsall eased their relegation worries with a 3-2 win over Chesterfield at the Banks's Stadium.

The win for Walsall almost certainly condemned Chesterfield to an immediate return to League Two. Ledesma, 23, took his tally to four goals in three games for Dean Smith's side, who have lost only one of their last 12 matches and now prepare for a tough visit to League One leaders Charlton on Monday. Chesterfield were the better side in the opening exchanges and Jordan Bowery could have had a couple of goals before they took the lead in the 20th minute. The goal came when Liam Ridehalgh broke down the left and crossed a beauty for Franck Moussa, on loan from Leicester, to head firmly past David Grof. That blow brought Walsall to life, though, and they were level after 27 minutes. Jon Macken found Ledesma who drilled a low, left-foot shot under Tommy Lee. And in the 33rd minute Alex Nicholls and Florent Cuvelier combined to set up Ledesma and he hammered home a similar effort to give the Saddlers the lead. Mark Randall brought Chesterfield level from close range soon after half-time but parity was shortlived as Sam Mantom netted from 12 yards out in the 58th minute. The Spireites battled to the end in an effort to save a point but they are now 13 points adrift of safety and look doomed.