Dean Smith's take on 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic...
SADDLERS Boss, Dean Smith, admitted that Oldham Athletic deserved to take something away from the Banks's as the 2015/16 season began with a 1-1 draw.
Romaine Sawyer's 8th minute pile driver gave the home side an early lead only for substitute Jonathan Forte to volley in a late equaliser.
"It was a terrific start for us and for Romaine," said Smith. "All three forwards were involved in the goal and it gave us a lift but we wanted to go and build on it.
"I’m pleased for Romaine because he knows he will be judged on goals but I’m disappointed on how sloppy we were on the ball and I think that was reflected with Oldham having a greater share of possession in the second half.
"After taking the lead, I think we should go on and win the game. Apart from the goal I can’t remember NeiL Etheridge having to do an awful lot. They’ve had a few long distance efforts but defensively I think we looked ok.
"They pressed us really well at times. They have some good players but we gave the ball away too cheaply.
"The system is in its infancy and the players will get better at it. It turned into a chess game at times. It was important we got our wing backs out and we did for the first period but they stifled us as the game went on.
"We have had chances, a goal mouth scramble, Milan rounding the goalkeeper and Bradshaw towards the end as well but we weren’t clinical enough.
"If you analyse the game as a whole, we had better chances than them but we didn't take them so I think a draw was fair."