Walsall goal hero Troy Deeney has blasted the team’s first-half performance against Leyton Orient despite snatching a point.

The Saddlers were rescued by the striker’s second-half double, after going 2-0 down inside the first half-hour on Saturday.

Goals from Ryan Jarvis and Tamika Mkandawire put the Saddlers on the brink of a third successive defeat before they recovered to level.

Deeney reckons if the side fail to perform over Christmas, starting at play-off rivals Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day, they will lose ground on the top six.

He said: “We know it wasn’t good enough. Too many times we’ve played well in one half and not in another. The first half was down to the mentality of not knowing if the game was going to be on, although I’m not looking for excuses.

“They were moaning about not wanting to play and it was a wretched day in terms of warming up.

“But we’re all professionals and if we’re playing, we’re playing.”

Boss Chris Hutchings read the riot act at half time and Deeney, who scored within 15 seconds of the re-start, revealed the team also had heated discussions.

The striker added: “He said a few things, but the main thing was between the boys, some harsh words were said.”