Dean Keates still confident in Walsall survival despite Pompey defeat

The 39-year-old, who replaced the sacked Jon Whitney earlier this month, took his place in the Saddlers dugout for the first time after opting to watch the game against Wigan from the stands.

It was promotion chasing Portsmouth though who came away with the points with a solitary goal from Gareth Evans enough to give Kenny Jackett’s side their third straight win.

The visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and looked the more dangerous of the two teams throughout.

Yet a spirited Walsall – while creating little themselves - largely restricted them to half-chances until Evan’s popped up with the second-half winner.

“Obviously it was disappointing that we fell to a defeat but the lads put in a performance full of desire and commitment,” Keates said.

“I think if we perform like that and show those levels of desire and a commitment towards getting out of the situation we are in, then we will be okay come the end of the season.

“We showed a lot more structure defensively. We defended better.

“We needed a bit of luck with the opportunities they created. But there was only shot on target in the whole game and that shot has ended up in the back of our net.

“On the attacking side, we didn’t create too much. We had a couple of half-chances but we didn’t test their goalkeeper.

“Portsmouth started really strongly and they have got some good players which is why they are smack bang around the play-off positions.

“But we grew into the game and I thought the lads did well. We are a just bit disappointed with the goal. If Dev’s (Nicky Devlin) showed a little bit more composure with his clearance and clears our lines properly, the goal wouldn’t have happened.

“With a little bit of luck we could have held out for a clean sheet.”

Keates now has less than 48 hours to prepare his team for a trip to Bradford.

And he says his team will head to Valley Parade determined to end a run that has seen them lose their last four matches without scoring.

“Obviously it’s a quick turnaround for us,” the new manager continued.

“Bradford played Thursday night so they have got a couple of days’ recovery on us.

“The lads are disappointed and heads are down but we will pick them up to go to Bradford and, all being well, get some points.

“It’s going to be a tough place to go but everywhere is tough in this division.

“We are in a relegation dogfight so we have to go there, be as organised as we can be and make sure we are on the front foot.”