Walsall Assistant and Development Coach Brian Dutton was left frustrated after the Saddlers had a goal ruled out in their 3-2 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in the Central League but praised his side for their battling qualities.
The reserves found themselves 3-0 at Doncaster but they fought back to 3-2 thanks to goals from Alex McSkeane and Luke Pearce.
Pearce also had a goal ruled out which left Dutton frustrated but he was pleased with the way his players dug in despite playing in difficult conditions.
“We went 3-0 down but they kept plugging away,” said Dutton.
“The wind was severe and it was against us in the first half.
“We managed to keep the score down to 1-0, they scored a set piece towards the end of the half and we fancied ourselves going into the second half but we got done by two flash goals to end up 3-0 down, but fair play to the boys, they dug in and managed to get two goals back and nearly got an equaliser at the end.
“Luke Pearce should have got two, he had one chalked off for handball which wasn’t a handball.
“I thought the referee had a poor game. He’s ruled out a couple of key decisions but I was pleased with the boys. We had a young side with a mix of senior boys in there but pleased enough with them as the conditions were tough and they dug in.”
Pearce has had a positive week. He was involved with the first team for their Leasing.Com Trophy tie with Chelsea tie and scored for the Under 18s against Scunthorpe United at the weekend before netting at Doncaster.
Dutton has been impressed with the 15-year-old and felt he should have ended the game with two goals to his name rather than one.
“He’s a shining light,” Dutton added.
“It should have been two goals for him. He’s worked so hard and deserved his two goals, albeit only scoring one legitimate goal in the ref’s eyes, he was fantastic today.”
Line-up: Rose; Foulkes (Coogan 75'), Liddle, Roberts, Jules; McSkeane, Willis, S. Perry, Trialist (Mukadam 65'); Hardy, Pearce.
Subs: Rogerson (GK), Lynch, J. Perry