Walsall manager wants more of the same

The Blades may have escaped the Banks's with a 1-1 draw, but the Saddlers produced one of their best displays of the season against Nigel Adkins' side.

Smith watched on as his side hit the woodwork twice and were on the end of some poor refereeing decisions and outstanding goalkeeping on Saturday.

But, while disappointed not to win the game, the manager believes a repeat performance at the County Ground will result in three League One points.

Smith said: "I'll tell the players in training to keep playing like that.

"Our movement at times was brilliant and it would have been very difficult for any team to try and contain us.

"That is why it was so disappointing to only come away with one point because we made a good team look average.

"But when we play like that, you can't tell if the opposition is good or not. I thought we were outstanding but now we have another game to look forward to."

The draw against the Blades means Walsall remain third in League One, four points behind new leaders Coventry but with a game in hand.

And striker Tom Bradshaw, who grabbed his 10th goal of the season in the game, agreed the Saddlers put on one of their best displays of the campaign.

The frontman said: "Sheffield United was one of our best performances of the season in terms of dominating the game.

"We were totally dominant and unlucky not to win. But it's swings and roundabouts. Later on in the season, we will win when maybe we don't deserve to win."

Meanwhile, Smith confirmed he expects to be able to announce tomorrow that Manchester City midfielder George Evans has extended his loan with the Saddlers.

He added: "I am hoping that will be extended in Tuesday – that is when the paperwork should come though. That will take his loan up to January 9."