Dean Smith on Saddlers penalty woe

Walsall boss Dean Smith today refused to blame his penalty flops after the Saddlers crashed out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The manager threw his support behind Richard Taundry, Kevan Hurst and Ryan Jarvis after they missed from the spot following the 1-1 draw with Rochdale last night.

Substitute Hurst had cancelled out David Ball's opener in normal time of the second round clash, but Alex Nicholls' sole successful kick meant Walsall lost 3-1 on penalties at Spotland.

But Smith would not point the finger at his luckless trio, saying: "I'll never blame the lads who went up and took penalties.

"I've been there before and taken penalties in play-off semi-finals. It takes brave men to get up there."