Brad Inman collected his sixth goal in as many games as Crewe extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a 1-1 draw against Walsall.
Tom Bradshaw's first-half penalty for the promotion seekers was cancelled out by a header by in-form Inman soon after the break.
But the Saddlers were left to rue spurning early chances with Bradshaw the chief culprit.
In a one-sided start to the game, Romaine Sawyers cut the ball back for Bradshaw who was thwarted by Crewe goalkeeper Ben Garratt.
The same partnership combined again soon after with Bradshaw this time flicking on for Sawyers who shot too close to Garratt.
When Milan Lalkovic delivered from the left, Bradshaw stabbed a half-volley onto the Crewe bar.
But Walsall were ahead in the 32nd minute after referee Darren Handley spotted George Cooper's handball as the Crewe midfielder failed to control a high ball, leaving Bradshaw to convert for his 15th of the season.
Crewe were back on level terms four minutes after the restart, though, with Semi Ajayi heading on David Fox's free-kick for Inman to nod past Etheridge.
While Walsall struggled to emulate their first-half ascendancy, they still had chances with Paul Downing lofting over from six yards after Anthony Forde's corner fell into his path and Garratt scooping away a Bradshaw effort.