Boss frustrated with Chesterfield result...
Saddlers manager Dean Smith likened his side’s 2-1 home defeat against Chesterfield to ‘a training session of attack versus defence’.Headed goals from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Ian Evatt secured victory for the Spireites, with young defender Matt Preston scoring Walsall’s late consolation.
The result saw Smith’s side surrender top spot to Gillingham and slip to second in League One.
“I’m very disappointed but only with the result and the injuries we had,” said Smith.
“After they scored their first, which was sloppy defending from us, we took over the game and it became a bit like a training session of attack versus defence.
“We've had enough chances to score; their keeper has made two great saves and we’ve hit the woodwork four times.
"If we had scored earlier I would have fancied us to claw it back.
"We’ve not had many teams come and try to kill the game in the corner with 15 minutes to go – it was a bit of a one off.
“I didn't think we deserved to lose the game.
"On the flip side of it, I didn't think all the players were at the standards they have been this season. There were some uncharacteristic errors on the ball.
"But for long periods of the game it was like attack versus defence - we just couldn't break them down."
It was a disappointing day all round for the Saddlers, with Mantom, Andy Taylor and Neil Etheridge each picking up injuries.
"Sam has a high ankle sprain – we’re not sure how long he’s going to be out for,” Smith admitted.
“Andy came off feeling his knee.
“Neil stayed on but he has a gash in his knee which is going to require eight to ten stitches.
"It's the first time we've had to deal with injuries this season - but, after last season, we know how to deal with it.
“We’ll have them assessed and take it from there."