Jon Whitney: Walsall loss would have been harsh

In a scrappy game at Spotland, Keith Hill’s side took the lead against the run of play when Calvin Andrew fired in at the second attempt shortly past the hour mark.

The Saddlers had to wait until the 90th minute to grab a deserved equaliser – with youngster Maz Kouyhar netting his first league goal after he swept home Erhun Oztumer’s cross.

And Whitney felt his team were fully deserving of their point and on another day could have had all three against a Dale side who have lost just three times at home this calendar year.

“I thought the lads executed the game plan brilliantly,” the boss said.

“I think in the first half we were the better team. We contained them. Rochdale are a really high energy team and I watched their game against Oxford last week and they were the better team and could have won that comfortably.

“But we limited them to very few opportunities. We frustrated them and didn’t get anything for the crowd to get on their feet about.

“We were disappointed we didn’t go in with a lead at half-time. Then we came out for the second half, we knew Keith Hill would be demanding a reaction. But we didn’t allow it.

“Our energy was really good and then we have the sucker punch of the goal which I didn’t see coming.

“I have had a look at it again and it’s a bit fortuitous for them. I think we then had 10 minutes where we struggled to play.

“But when we did get it down and play we got the ball wide right to Oztumer and he creates that opportunity.

“What was great for me was seeing that we had six bodies in the box. And I was delighted Maz got his first league goal.

“I am made up for him. It’s always nice for a young player to come on and get his rewards. I think it would have been a harsh result if we hadn’t got something.

“It’s a tough place to come but I am disappointed we didn’t win from the possession that we had. But we will take a point.”