Bristol Rovers virtually ended any fears of League One relegation with a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win against Walsall at the Banks's Stadium.In doing so they also ended any real hope The Saddlers had of making the play-offs and it was a first-half goal by top scorer Rickie Lambert that secured the precious points for the Pirates.

Lambert scored what proved to be the winner in the 34th minute with his 18th goal of the season, a neat glancing header from a perfect cross by Joe Jacobson.

Walsall pushed forward repeatedly in an effort to repair the damage but Kevin Betsy, on loan from Bristol City, squandered their best chance with a shot which was way off target with only the keeper to beat.

Rovers always played the neater football and central defenders Byron Anthony and Steve Elliott snuffed out the home attack. Only a brilliant save by Walsall keeper Clayton Ince prevented Anthony adding a second with a header, while Craig Disley slammed the rebound wide.

Saddlers skipper Tommy Mooney shot wide with a half-chance to save a point and with three minutes left Ince pulled off another good save to deny Lambert.

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