Walsall boss on record-low crowd

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has refused to blame a record-low crowd for the team crashing out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Saddlers lost 2-1 to Chesterfield in front of just 1,793 last night - the lowest in the Banks's Stadium's 20-year history.

It was the third time in succession Walsall have been dumped out of the competition by lower league opposition.

But after a poor attendance, supplemented by 212 travelling fans, Hutchings insisted the low crowd was no excuse for the Saddlers' performance.

He said: "If there isn't an atmosphere then you've got to make your own and make sure you do your job but we were a little wanting in one or two areas.

"You look at all the clubs in the competition and there aren't many high attendances, unless you are a big club or you get to the latter stages when everyone wants to come."

But the Saddlers boss conceded his men didn't deserve to progress after goals from Jordan Bowery and Dean Morgan sent them out, despite Reuben Reid's first-half leveller.

Hutchings said: "I was pleased Jonathan Macken got 90 minutes but there weren't too many plusses to come out of it and that's disappointing.

"We never threatened and I was disappointed with most of the boys."