Dean Keates was encouraged by his side’s performance in the Saddlers’ entertaining 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe.
Lee Novak’s near-post strike put last season’s beaten play-off semi-finalists ahead shortly after half-time, but an expertly-taken Zeli Ismail penalty ensured honours ended even.
The dominant Saddlers could, and really should, have taken all three points after creating a host of chances at a sunny Glanford Park.
Jon Guthrie and Andy Cook each rattled the woodwork, while the lively Morgan Ferrier went close on four occasions in an impressive away display from Keates’ men.
“It was encouraging,” said the boss, whose side sit seventh in the embryonic League One table.
“I asked them to play on the front foot and I felt we did that.
“We went in at half-time 0-0, but if we had gone in a couple of goals up, it wouldn’t have been unfair.
“We should have been ahead. We had a few set-pieces, a few chances, but it just didn’t fall for us.
“We got caught second half [with their goal] and we’ll have to learn from that.
“But credit to them, the players kept going and showed great character. We did well.
“It would have been hard to take if we hadn’t got anything out of the game, so we’re happy about the result.”