Josh March’s first two goals for Stevenage helped get the League Two promotion-chasers back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over out-of-form Walsall.

Northampton’s draw at Hartlepool means third-placed Boro moved three points clear of them after the hosts extended the Saddlers’ miserable winless run to 12 matches in all competitions.

Stevenage were ahead after just seven minutes when March got in behind the Walsall defence off Max Clark’s long ball before hammering past Owen Evans.

The hosts’ lead was soon doubled when Kane Smith got in behind down the right and his low ball across the face of goal was turned in by Luke Norris.

Walsall looked to be back in the game when Manny Monthe pounced to score after an unfortunate bounce off Smith, but March quickly restored Boro’s two-goal cushion with a superb overhead kick.

March almost completed a hat-trick in first-half stoppage time when his header from Jordan Roberts’ cross was just about kept out by Evans before Stevenage comfortable saw out the second half.