Walsall boss Darrell Clarke hailed is back four as ‘outstanding’ but stressed his side still need to improve when in possession.
The Saddlers produced a dogged display to come away with a 1-0 victory at Port Vale on Saturday.
The win saw Walsall record their 11th clean sheet in all competitions and climb to 17th in Sky Bet League Two.
Clarke insists there is still plenty of room for improvement but praised his team for their effort.
“The lads’ work rate from one to 11 was great, they’re giving me everything,” said Clarke.
“I thought my back four were absolutely outstanding, but we have to be better with the ball, that’s the biggest frustration for me.
“If we played anything like we did against Chelsea in mid-week with the ball, we’d have probably opened them up at times.
“That’s how I see the game.
“We have to be better, we know that and the players know that.
“We’ll keep working away, chipping away and try and improve the club.
“We’ll take the three points.
“We have to give Port Vale credit; they’re obviously a tough nut to crack at home.
“My demands are pretty high and we have to keep getting better.”
There were 655 Saddlers fans who made plenty of noise in the away at Vale Park and Clarke was keen to show his appreciation to the supporters at the game.
“Our fans were tremendous; they have been all season to be honest,” he commented.
“You’re going to get stick when you lose, we don’t cry like babies.
“Whether we win, lose or draw we like to go over there and thank the fans.
“They’re clapping them off for the result; I wouldn’t be clapping them for the possession of the ball.
“Fair play, they understand it’s a hard place to come and it’s nice to get the three points.”
Walsall now turn their attention to their next match at home to Macclesfield Town at the Banks’s Stadium on Saturday.
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