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League One

Dean Smith: Walsall were wasteful

6 September 2014

Walsall manager Dean Smith was disappointed with this team's finishing as they were forced to settle for a point against fellow Sky Bet League 1 strugglers Colchester United at the Banks's Stadium.

Top scorer Tom Bradshaw shot wide after being put clear in stoppage time by substitute Anthony Forde, who earlier had a free-kick well saved by U's keeper Sam Walker.

Smith said: "We had opportunities during the game and the fact that we didn't hit the target is disappointing. Every game you play is always going to be tough. We had some good chances and they had some half chances."

One key moment in the game arrived two minutes into the second half when Colchester winger Sanchez Watt went down as he was tacked by Paul Downing just inside the box, but referee Pat Miller waved aside claims for a spot-kick.

Now Colchester manager Tony Humes, who was taking his first game in charge, said: "I was disappointed with that.

"For me it was a penalty but the referee didn't give it and that's the game. To me it looked fairly blatant, and I just hope it doesn't go that way for us all season."

Humes at least saw the visitors end a run of four successive league defeats.

The new manager said: "We defended really well and have had opportunities to win.

"Three points would have been nice, but it's a step in the right direction. Both sides were probably a bit low on confidence, although we did show confidence in playing the way we wanted to play."

Walsall have now gone 11 league games since their last win - going back into last season - and Smith had to include three youngster in his side because of the injury situation.

Smith, who has eight players out injured, revealed he was not fearing a relegation fight, though, with so many key men due back in action eventually.

He said: "You will always take consolation from a clean sheet. We just need to start taking our chances and I believe we have players here capable of doing that.

"We are six points away from the play-off zone so I don't think we shall be in a relegation battle.

"We can take positives from the performances of the young players, and we believe in what we are trying to do here."


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