Jon Whitney: Walsall were the better team in draw

The Saddlers took the lead through Luke Leahy but conceded a penalty late on, which Brett Pittman converted, and it finished 1-1.

Kenny Jackett's Pompey side were frustrated for large spells at Fratton Park, and Whitney said: "I thought we were the better team. I thought the only chance they looked like scoring would be a penalty or a set piece.

"I thought we contained them really well, gave them no space and limited their options."

Walsall had Amadou Bakayoko miss a gilt-edged opportunity to double their lead and, shortly after, had Mark Gillespie trip substitute Nicke Kabamba and a spot-kick was awarded.

Pittman made no mistake from the spot, with an emphatic strike into the corner.

Whitney said: "I thought there was only one winner. Amadou had that chance to put the game to bed, he didn't take it.

"We are disappointed we haven't won but our heads are high. I am proud of the players - their energy and their work ethic.

"You come here, they are a big team, and look at the following they have got, it's a great place to play football.

"I told the lads to enjoy it. Bit disappointed not to win, but happy with the performance."

On the penalty decision, he added: "I can see it going either way, I am not going to stand here and have a go at the referee. I'm not going to moan about that.

Meanwhile, Leahy spoke about his goal - finishing at the back post after a fine cross from James Wilson.

He said: "I thought the right-back was going to get a touch to it but, thankfully, he hasn't.

"I just sort of thrusted my way towards the ball and it has gone in.

"He's put it in at the back post and, thankfully for me and the team, it has gone in."