Jamille Matt's strike in first-half stoppage time saw Walsall nudge a point ahead at the League Two summit with a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.
Goalmouth action was at a premium between the Boxing Day rivals, but the stingy Saddlers dug deep for a fourth clean sheet in six unbeaten league matches.
Rivals Cancel Each Other Out
The two sides largely cancelled one another out in a first half of few openings. Crewe's Calum Agius saw his far-post header loop over home goalkeeper Myles Roberts, only for Aden Flint to calmly nod off the line.