Louis Appere's ninth-minute opener was the difference in a game of few chances. Here are our player ratings....
5. Joe Wormleighton
Another chance to impress and he didn't disappoint. Drove Cobblers forward in their best moment of the first half and his boundless energy and running was a constant feature after the break. Broke Walsall's back line so many times and always had the legs to get back when needed... 8 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton
6. Jack Perkins
He also brought energy up and down the left side and drifted centrally on occasion too, linking with Swyer, Jacobs and Fornah at different times. Shouldn't be forgotten how well he was playing at wing-back before missing the Bolton game through illness... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Dean Campbell
He's played every minute in the league so far this season and was given another start here. Two excellent free-kick deliveries caused confusion in the Walsall box before being smuggled away. Off at half-time as Town's midfield quartet shared the workload... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Cameron McGeehan
Slightly deeper role than normal for him, slotting alongside Campbell in a midfield two, and also only played 45. The first half was so sleepy and scrappy that few players flourished. He probably would have had more joy when things opened up after the break... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton