Andy Butler is sorry for Walsall gaffe

Walsall defender Andy Butler has apologised for his gaffe which sparked another defeat for the Saddlers.

The stand-in captain's slip on Saturday allowed Kevin Kilbane to equalise in Huddersfield's 4-2 win at the Banks's Stadium.

He was also outmuscled by Jamie McCombe for the Terriers' second while David Bevan's poor kick handed the visitors a fourth in injury time.

Butler was caught playing a short pass to Matt Richards 40-yards from his own goal and could only watch in horror as ex-Albion star Kilbane capitalised and scored – an error he has taken to heart.

He said: "I take full blame for the first goal – I should have gone long instead of passing short.

"I should have gone for the striker's feet but I played it short to Matty and I really shouldn't have done – I'll hold my hands up. It was a mistake and my fault, it's a decision I'll have to learn from.

"The second goal was a foul, I thought he pushed me in the back but the referee didn't think it was."

Alex Nicholls had put the Saddlers ahead and Richards' seventh of the season levelled for the hosts early in the second half.

Peter Clarke's overhead kick and Jordan Rhodes' injury time fourth – after Bevan's poor clearance – sunk Walsall but Butler is focused on the positives.

He said: "It was another good performance, we looked full of energy and enthusiasm from the start and I'm sure if we keep playing like that we'll win more than we'll lose.

"The lads went about it well and didn't shirk a tackle and I thought we were on top when Matty scored. If we had scored again we would have gone on and won it quite comfortably. The luck goes against you when you're at the bottom of the league.

"It's just the luck of the bounce, if you get that luck you can get in front and start relaxing but it's difficult while you're down there."