Jon Whitney: Walsall have that belief
Walsall boss Jon Whitney praised his player's attitude and belief following their dramatic late win over League One rivals Southend.
An 88th minute Jordy Hiwula goal won the points for the Saddlers in a match they dominated from the outset.
Whitney's side would have won emphatically but for a string of spectacular saves from Shrimpers goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.
But the interim boss was delighted with the way his side kept going, with Walsall having now grabbed late winners in their last two outings at the Banks's Stadium.
Whitney said: "I thought all the players were outstanding - it was a complete team performance.
"I thought we were exceptional and their keeper has kept them in the game.
"When you think back, that is what promotion races are about - the nerves and the anxiety.
"I find it strange and ironic that for the great football we play and the saves their keeper has made we have scored from a corner.
"They made it really awkward with some old-school tactics from Phil Brown and Brian Horton.
"But credit to our players. When you are playing a side where the keeper is pulling off save after save like that – you can start to think it's not going to happen.
"But kept believing in themselves and in the system we were playing."
Whitney was also full of praise for the fans who roared their team on right to the end.
The Saddlers boss continued: "The fans today were exceptional. We asked them to be the 12th man and they really were that today.
"They really helped us get over that line – it was fantastic support."
But Southend boss Phil Brown was furious with the linesman's decision to reward Hiwula's goal.
He said: "I can't see whether the ball crossed the line and I can't see how the linesman can give that.
"Walsall are a good team and I'm not here to bemoan the fact they played better than us but we have been unhinged by a poor decision and the linesman has been sucked into a great atmosphere.
"With the little pitch invasion that followed, he probably felt quite good about himself when he gave it. You cannot give that goal and that's why we've lost.
"Daniel Bentley was outstanding and he has been beaten by a linesman, he hasn't been beaten by a decent goal.
"I told the lads to remember what this feels like and remember what you're hearing in their dressing room. We want that next season."
