Dean Smith hails another Walsall win

Goals from Andy Taylor and Sam Mantom earned the Saddlers a 2-1 win at Spotland.

But they were made to work hard for the victory, after Calvin Andrew's controversial strike 10 minutes from time set up a nervy finish.

Smith said: "The resilience at the end was most pleasing. A lot of people have told us we can't defend crosses and we have defended them really well.

"The last 10 minutes at Southend we had a lot of balls into the box and the last 10 minutes here it was the same. We have shown a lot of character and resilience at the moment."

Victory moved Smith's team up to third in the early-season table ahead of Saturday's visit of leaders Coventry City.

Taylor's goal was just the sixth of his career and arrived midway through the second-half, after both teams had seen chances go begging.

Mantom then doubled the advantage with a deflected effort before Andrew pulled one back – though Smith felt it shouldn't have counted.

He said: "I'm not going to call it a goal – it was a ghost goal. I don't think it crossed the line and I don't know how the linesman has given it. We had to battle for the result.

"It was a good game to watch and a great result. You know you have a tough game when you come to Rochdale.

"Keith Hill has got them well drilled, they don't give you any time, no respite at all and you have to work hard for everything.

"The first-half I thought we were excellent. But they were always a threat on the counter and were probably having their best period when we scored.

"We were joking with Andy Taylor at half-time he should get into the box but it was a great move and finish by him.

"Sam has two in two now, which is really pleasing."