Cameron Antwi of Newport County is challenged by Ryan Stirk of Walsall
Walsall's automatic promotion hopes took another dent as a goalless draw at 10-man Newport County saw them go 12 games without a win.
Newport were under the cosh early as Walsall pressed for a result to revitalise their promotion push, but the home side gradually worked their way back into the game at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles were disrupted by losing captain James Clarke to injury late in a first half in which goal chances were few, with Walsall's Nathan Asiimwe coming the closest with an early shot that Nick Townsend turned round the post.
The ante increased after the break but clear-cut goal chances remained elusive, with Newport's Bobby Kamwa blazing over the bar, while Walsall's Levi Amantchi warmed the hands of Townsend with an effort and Harry Williams headed into the side netting.
The game looked to have turned Walsall's way when Ciaran Brennan was shown a straight red after catching Taylor Allen, but Josh Martin nearly won it for the Exiles only for Tommy Simkin to spread himself and save with his feet.
With 12 minutes of time added on played, Oisin McEntee looked to have got a dramatic winner for Walsall but the officials rightly ruled his effort out for handball.
Although one point from the day's early kick-off sealed a play-off spot at worst, Walsall slipped back down from third to fourth following the afternoon's results.
For Newport, however, it is a precious point that all-but ensures they can put any lingering relegation concerns behind them and look forward to next season's League Two campaign.
Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim said:
"Definitely (happy with a point), a valuable point up against a very good team that spent a lot of months at the top of the table.
"It's a promotion-chasing team so a valuable point but not only that, it's the way you compete and perform and I think we were up to the level again today, managing to keep a clean sheet on the back of last week as well.
"So the fight and the organisation we need, the boys showed that the last two games and I know that's two important points for us."
