Manager Dean Smith hails 'excellent' Walsall
Manager Dean Smith hailed "excellent" Walsall and felt they deserved more than a point against League One leaders Bristol City.
Romaine Sawyers stunning goal five minutes from time ensured the game at the Banks's ended 1-1 after Joe Bryan had given the visitors a first-half lead.
But Smith felt his team were perhaps worthy of more, saying: "I thought we maybe deserved a bit more, it I am honest.
"I thought we were excellent today. Apart from maybe the first 10 or 15 minutes of the second-half, I thought we controlled the game.
"It was a poor goal to concede. Jimmy O'Connor just got sucked in for the first ball and the lad has capitalised.
"We talked about that, their wing-backs attacking an awful lot and trying to catch them but I thought we were excellent and controlled the game.
"I was disappointed with their goal, but I think we have a goal of the season contender there."
Smith felt the visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men after a first-half challenge by Derrick Williams, which he believes deserved a straight red card.
He said: "It's the worst tackle I've seen this season. What is worrying is that all four of the officials didn't see it.
"That's worrying, because if Reece Flanagan doesn't see it he is in hospital now. It was the worst challenge I have seen this season.
"He has gone over the top of the ball. It is as simple as that and if Reece's leg is there, then he would be in hospital now.
"Steve Cotterill apologised to me and said he will sort that out. I have to wait half-an-hour before I go and see the officials, but they should have been down to 10 men."
