Keeper Grof facing Walker threat

Goalkeeper David Grof was today warned that Walsall legend Jimmy Walker is "breathing down his neck" after his mistake in last night's League One draw at Oldham.

The Hungarian allowed Youssouf M'Changama's long-range shot to creep in for the opening goal before Saddlers youngster George Bowerman netted a late equaliser to spare the keeper's blushes.

And manager Dean Smith has admitted Grof is under pressure for his place with veteran shot-stopper Walker itching for a recall.

"It's dog eat dog and they all want to earn a place in the team," said Smith.

"Jimmy is as hungry as ever. He will be pushing Groffy all the time and Groffy knows he has to cut out mistakes because he will have Jimmy breathing down his neck.

"He will feel he should have done better with last night's goal, certainly, but we're not going to batter a 23-year-old kid.

"He also made valuable saves for us at vital times."

Bowerman pounced on a poor Dean Furman backpass to rescue a point with 10 minutes remaining.

And Smith believes his side deserved a share of the spoils.

"They are the chances that George practises every day so I never expected to see anything other than the ball hitting the back of the net," said Smith.

"He's a good finisher and he and Aaron Williams went on and made an impact, which is what we wanted.

"Will Grigg had worked tirelessly up front and had three or four chances but had a bit of a thankless task at times.

"We started the game particularly well and for the first 15 or 20 minutes we were on the front foot, moving the ball quickly.

"Then for some reason we allowed them to get on the ball and ended up too deep.

"We're pleased to have a point on the board and to finish strongly, which was pleasing.

"We were on the front foot after we had spoken to the players at half-time about not conceding space."

Oldham (4-4-1-1): Cisak; Byrne, M'vota, Tarkowski, Grounds; Croft, Furman, M'changama, Montano (Hughes, 71); Simpson; Slew (Taylor, 67). Subs not used: Brown, Smith, Millar, Winchester, Bouzanis (gk).

Walsall (4-1-4-1): Grof; Purkiss, Holden, Butler, James Chambers; Featherstone (Williams, 67); Paterson, Cuvelier, Adam Chambers, Hemmings; Grigg (Bowerman, 67). Subs not used: Downing, Benning, Jones, Baxendale, Walker (gk).

Referee: Mark Brown (East Yorkshire)

Attendance: 3,496 (169 from Walsall)