Brian Dutton bemoans 'flat' Walsall performance

James Clarke’s opening strike was cut out by two quickfire Colchester goals as the Saddlers fell to their first loss in seven games.

Although Dutton was unhappy with the showing, he was pleased with the week overall after beating Tranmere on Tuesday night.

Dutton said: “Flat is the right word, the lads have had to go back to the well again and put in a performance like the two previous games, but they didn’t do that.

“We saw a flat performance. A lack of intensity, energy and spirit, which is disappointing.

“But I must cut them a little bit of slack because if you’d offered me two points per game this week, I’d have probably taken it.

“It’s a little bit of a sour and bitter ending to the week but the week on the whole has been positive.”

Midfielder Alfie Bates echoed his manager’s comments, insisting the players did not show the ‘fight’ to get back into the game.

“It’s very frustrating for the boys and myself,” Bates said.

“It was disappointing from all of us from the get-go. We got the goal and then I felt we sat back a bit, got pegged back and didn’t really show any fight to get out of it.

“It’s not on from us really.”

Meanwhile, Rory Holden, who has been influential on the team since return from his knee injury in recent weeks, was left out of the squad.

Dutton has confirmed he is having it looked at on Monday to assess how he has recovered and whether he can return to the field.

Dutton said: “Rory Holden has come back to the team, it’s been long overdue but he’s never been quite comfortable with the injury.

“He still managed to get out there and give his all and you can see the impact he’s had. A not fully fit Holden has got this team two wins from two starts.

“He’s been in every game we’ve won this season bar one. Are we a one-man team? That’s debatable.

“With regards to his injury, he’s not comfortable with it and we’re going for another opinion on it on Monday to give him some reassurances that everything is fine and he can continue.”

When asked if he will play again this season, Dutton added: “It’s not easy to say because I’m not medically qualified to make a judgement on that.

“The most important thing for Walsall is that it’s in the EFL next season and the most important thing for Rory Holden after that is that he’s fit for the beginning of next season.”