Jon Whitney: Walsall need to start fighting

It was his side's second defeat in a row in League One, and their winless run in all competitions now stands at four games.

Despite a Kieron Morris strike, Nicky Ajose proved to be the difference between the two teams with a brace for the visitors.

"I can't keep coming in here every week and saying that we have just missed out and that one player was the difference between the two teams," said Whitney. "Because if that happens every week, I'm going to be out of a job. I need people to start having a bit more balls about them."

Whitney was particularly upset with how the Saddlers went 2-1 down within two minutes of going level.

A long ball over the top saw Josh Magennis outwit James O'Connor before teeing up Ajose, who poked the ball home at the far post.

"I will see who wants to start fighting for some points because we can't just allow goals like that to happen," said Whitney.

"It's too easy at the moment for teams to score against us and that's not nice, especially for me being an ex-defender.

"I will be looking at things this week to see what I've got to do to improve that."

Walsall were without skipper Adam Chambers (hamstring) for the game, while Rico Henry is still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the 0-0 draw at Oldham.

Jason McCarthy filled in at right-back, and Joe Edwards left-back with George Dobson and Isaiah Osbourne in midfield.

Whitney says he trust his players but they need to improve their 'game management' in the upcoming fixtures.

"I could make excuses all night but I'm not because I trust my players," he added.

"I think Jason (McCarthy) is a revelation at right back, I think he's done really well.

"Joe (Edwards) has done well, there is no issues with that and I thought George (Dobson) and Isaiah (Osbourne) played really well.

I need the players to manage themselves a little bit more."