Walsall held at home to Southend...
Jon Whitney was pleased with his side’s reaction to last Tuesday's defeat at Rochdale after the Saddlers played out a goalless draw against Southend.Andreas Makris and Scott Laird each rattled the woodwork for Walsall, who were much improved after Tuesday’s Spotland showing.
Home custodian Neil Etheridge also made fine saves to thwart Nile Ranger, Stephen McLaughlin and Anthony Wordsworth in a lively affair.
The clean sheet was the Saddlers’ fourth of the season, and Whitney was happy with what he saw from his team.
“We got the reaction we asked for,” said the 45-year-old.
“The players’ energy levels were really good, back to what we’ve expected over the last couple of months and how they’ve been in most games.
“They had periods of play, but so did we. We defended well when we needed to and Neil Etheridge saved one-on-one, but other than that it was shots from outside the box.
“I thought we looked quite solid and created chances as well. In the first half, we hit the woodwork a couple of times. Late on, Kieron Morris showed what he can do best and made the keeper work.
“I was pleased overall with the performance. All you can do after Tuesday [at Rochdale] is get a reaction and get your energy and enthusiasm up - which is all the fans want to see – and the quality will come then.
“Southend aren’t a bad team – they’re unbeaten in November – so it was important to give ourselves a nice foundation heading into Tuesday’s game at Sheffield United.”