Walsall reacted to the departure of manager Sean O'Driscoll by thrashing 10-man Chesterfield 4-1 at the Proact Stadium to win for the first time in seven games.
An own goal by James O'Connor gave Chesterfield the lead but another from Tom Anderson levelled before Sam Mantom struck.
After Dion Donohue was sent off, Jordy Hiwula and Mantom sealed victory.
Rico Henry was foiled by Tommy Lee in the ninth minute as Walsall pressed Chesterfield back but the home side went in front in the 19th minute thanks to a mix-up between keeper Neil Etheridge and O'Connor, who put the ball into his own net off his shoulder.
But Chesterfield gifted Walsall an equaliser in the 35th minute when Anderson tried to clear Mantom's low cross but only sliced the ball past Lee.
Walsall went in front with a quality goal in the 57th minute when Mantom placed a low shot past Lee from the edge of the box - but the celebrations turned ugly as players from both sides clashed, with Donohue shown a red card and three other players booked.
Chesterfield's hopes of responding ended when a mistake by Anderson allowed Hiwula to run clear and score in the 71st minute and another precise passing move ended with Mantom adding a fourth four minutes later.