Dean Smith bemoans goal-shy Walsall's lack of edge
Dean Smith today admitted a lack of goals has cost Walsall as they slipped to their eighth home defeat of the season against Bristol City.
Saturday's 1-0 loss effectively ended any remaining hope of making the League One play-offs.
The Saddlers are among the lowest scorers in the division and have netted just 20 times in 21 home league games and Smith felt the defeat was typical of the season.
"It was the story of the season in one game," he said. "We had all the possession, controlled the game and controlled the tempo of the game but just didn't put the ball in the back of the net.
"We had opportunities but just didn't take them and it's disappointing because we did not deserve to lose the game but again, we have."
Smith was also again critical of the officials. He was also unimpressed by Nigel Miller's decision to award the penalty which allowed Sam Baldock to score the only goal of Saturday's game, after the striker appeared to be upended by Andy Taylor.
"I saw it at half-time. Andy Taylor toes the ball and Baldock throws himself down," he said.
"There were a few theatrical moments should I say during the first half. We got a free-kick in the corner and Michael Ngoo gets booked. Work that one out."
He added: "We are not going to make the play-offs now so that is disappointing, it's disappointing that we got beat at home because we did not deserve to get beat.
"We have controlled the game and somebody else has given them a free shot at goal from 12 yards."
Milan Lalkovic was absent from the Saddlers squad and Smith confirmed the forward had returned to parent club Chelsea for treatment, after suffering a recurrence of his recent hamstring problem.
