Walsall boss Dean Keates: Draw was fair

In a clichéd game of two-halves, the Saddlers were on top for the opening 45 minutes and took the lead through Jack Fitzwater.

The Latics pulled level just a minute before the interval through Wolves loanee Duckens Nazon.

And with a strong wind behind them, they then dominated the second half – with Keates’ men digging deep to earn a point.

“It was a soft goal from our side and we’ll get the lads to watch it back,” the boss said.

“We highlighted the lad, we know he likes to roll inside with his right-foot and is powerful.

“We didn’t deal with that. But for me, they are given a free-kick on the edge of their 18-yards box. How it’s a free-kick I have no idea.

“The keeper then kicks it down our end. (Liam) Kinsella wins the leader but (Eoin) Doyle pushes him in the back. That should have been a free-kick for us.

“If the right decision gets given, we clear the ball and we turn them and see out the half.

“But they get a throw and two passes later, he’s rolled inside and put it in the bottom corner.

“If the right decision is given, it’s a free-kick to us. But that being said, our players have to learn from the mistakes that happened to allow the kid to score a goal.”

Overall Keates felt a draw was a fair result.

“I think for us the important thing is that Oldham haven’t gained on us,” he added.

“We have picked up a point and added to our tally.

“Looking at the second half, with the amount of pressure we were put under, and with the conditions as well, I’d say a point is fair for both teams.

“I think they turned the wind up at half-time. It was blowy and strong in the first half. But second half, it was horrendous.

“So I have to give the lads credit. I said to them and half-time, if we can keep a clean sheet this half we will get an opportunity.

“We got an opportunity. Their keeper has pulled off a very good save. But Liam Roberts has pulled two good saves for us as well.”