Smith: Defeat ‘sickening’

Dean Smith fumed today after Walsall’s disappointing draw to Bournemouth at the Banks’s after going 2-0 up in the first half.

Smith was due to celebrate a year in charge with what seemed an inevitable three points after Macken and Butler put the Saddlers in the lead. However, late goals from Symes and Fletcher saw the Saddlers and the Cherries share the spoils.

Jimmy Walker also levelled the appearance record as he stepped out for the Saddlers for an epic 529th time.

Smith blasted his players to the Express and Star: ‘Naivety cost us the game. It`s two points lost and the lads know that. They are frustrated and it`s sickening.’

Saddler fans have long bemoaned that the manager’s comments have been too general and passed the buck, but this time Smith didn’t hold back in pinpointing individual’s mistakes.

‘Beevers has gone to ground in the box when the lad has gone. He shouldn`t have done and it`s a penalty.’ As the 28 year old gave away a spot kick for the Cherries 1st.

“Gnakpa got the ball and lost it and Steve Fletcher did what he`s done all of his career – it was a good header.” He added of the Bournemouth’s got their 93rd minute equaliser.

It was another bad day at the office and it looks like the mood in the Saddler camp is at an all time low. I get the feeling that all concerned in the team think that the world owes them a win and refuse to accept the responsibility for their own failings.

They are now in a vulnerable 20th place in League One, just 2 points from the drop zone. Prayers please as the Saddlers travel to Brentford on Saturday.

Up The Saddlers?!