Will Grigg has praise for Jon Macken

Walsall match-winner Will Grigg has paid tribute to 'unsung hero' Jon Macken after the duo combined to keep the Saddlers 'great escape' hopes alive.

Grigg scored the late winner in last night's Banks's Stadium six-pointer against Dagenham & Redbridge to move Dean Smith's side within three points of the safety line.

Macken has not scored in nine games and marred an excellent all-round display last night by missing several clear chances, but was on hand to tee-up Grigg's 81st-minute winner.

And 19-year-old Grigg said: "He helps me with everything. If I play a training match alongside him he is always talking to me and trying to help me. Sometimes he takes shooting practice because he knows what he's doing and he puts on some good sessions.

"I can only learn from him. Macca has a lot more experience than me and he did really well last night and set me up.

"I gave him a little bit of stick, but not too much because he created my goal so I have to be nice to him! He has a great reputation and he's great on the training field. He helps me every day.

"He holds the ball up amazingly well and he's got a good goal record, so he's great to have around.

"He will be a bit frustrated for himself but he's doing a great job for the team, working hard and leading the line well."

Grigg reckons the Saddlers now believe they can escape the League One drop-zone after looking doomed earlier in the season.

He said: "A few weeks ago we were thinking we had a lot to do but now it's looking a lot healthier and we're all up for the challenge."

On-loan striker Jason Price missed out last night with an Achilles problem but could be fit for Saturday's trip to Colchester, while winger Julian Gray has received the all-clear despite landing awkwardly on his ankle late on last night.