Walsall boss Dean Smith today insisted the Saddlers are not League One jokers and must be taken seriously in the promotion race.

The manager believes they proved their credentials last night – despite losing a two-goal lead to go down 3-2 at Sheffield United.

Kevan Hurst and Will Grigg put them in control before Matthew Lowton, Lee Williamson a Richard Cresswell penalty capped United’s comeback in a second-half goal rush.

Walsall dominated for long spells, with Jon Macken hitting the bar, and Smith reckons the display will silence the doubters.

He said: “I told the lads it would give me a very good idea of where we’ll be challenging this season. People laughed at me or sounded surprised when I said I wanted to be challenging but I do.

“Sheffield United will be up there and, if we keep improving in the way we are, there’s no reason why we can’t be.

“I told the players that and they know it. Hopefully we can keep pushing on. I’m always proud of them because I know what a good set of lads I’ve got and what a hard working bunch they are.

“I know what they are going to give me every game. Hard work is a given but they are starting to get better.”

For the third straight game, Smith was left frustrated with the officials, after referee Andy Haines ruled Mat Sadler felled Williamson for United’s match-winning penalty.

Smith also insisted Lowton – who started the Blades’ comeback – should have been sent off in the first-half for a late lunge on Sadler.

The Saddlers boss said: “One of the things which we’re told about is that people want more consistency from referees.

“We’ve had two players sent off already and the tackle on Mat is the worst one I’ve seen this season. For that to only be punished with a yellow card is a kick in the teeth.

“I’m looking for consistency, I’ve seen the penalty and the lad doesn’t even look for it. He’s getting up ready to play again. I don’t think it would have been given at the Banks’s Stadium.

“I’m disappointed because the lads have put so much effort in and could have been out of sight.

“We will feel aggrieved, annoyed, disappointed and little bit angry, but will get on with it.”

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