Trust in officials is an issue to Taundry after blunders

Walsall right-back Richard Taundry today insisted players could stop trusting referees after a series of blunders.

The Saddlers were left fuming after Florent Cuvelier's 'goal' – which crossed the line and bounced out after hitting both posts – was missed in Saturday's 4-2 defeat at Exeter.

Manny Smith was also controversially sent off to add to their woes and leave the Saddlers' League One survival hopes in the balance.

And, after recent refereeing mistakes in the Premier League, Taundry admitted players across the country could lose faith in officials.

He said: "It's hard to keep it, to be honest, if some of the decisions like we saw on Saturday keep happening.

"It's down to the officials and it's something they have to sort out and rectify. Some of the decisions on Saturday were terrible, with the ball going over the line and Manny's sending off.

"It was never been a sending off, we looked at it, and Flo's shot went over the line.They've been talking about bringing goal-line technology into the Premier League but it'll be years before it gets to this level.

"We have to wait and see. We played some nice neat football but decisions cost us. We have to get on with it now and produce a win on Saturday."

The fifth-from-bottom Saddlers host Huddersfield, who are guaranteed a play-off spot, on Saturday knowing they could be caught by Wycombe, Chesterfield or Exeter over the final two games.

They are three points clear of Wycombe and four and five above Chesterfield and Exeter respectively.

And boss Dean Smith, with Walsall at Milton Keynes Dons for their final game on May 5, wants his men to shake off their Devon disappointment and keep clear heads for the Terriers' visit.

He said: "You have to. There's nothing more we can do. Saturday was disappointing and frustrating but we can't change it now it's done.

"All we can do is keep concentrating on our games, we can't change it."

Meanwhile, Walsall All Stars and Wolves All Stars will play a charity match at the Banks's Stadium on Thursday May 17 at 7.30pm.

Admission is £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for concessions with proceeds going to cancer charities Fat Boys, CLIC Sargent and specialist hospital John Radcliffe.