Jon Whitney proud of Walsall players despite disappointing result

A first half Scott Laird header looked to have propelled the Saddlers to within a point of the League One play-offs in an entertaining clash in Buckinghamshire.

But a 90th minute Dean Bowditch goal saw the hosts grab a point despite Erhun Oztumer, Simeon Jackson and Kevin Toner all having good chances to double their sides advantage.

And while Whitney felt his team were good enough to win the game, he said he couldn't have asked any more from his players following an impressive overall performance.

"Performance wise I am very pleased," Whitney said.

"Of course I am disappointed to concede at such a late stage of the game but I also understand that happens sometimes.

"I think we were good enough today to come away with all three points. I thought we caused them a lot of problems.

"But you don't always go on to get your rewards in football. If we had got a second I think we would have gone on to win comfortably.

"Some of our shape and play was fantastic and very pleasing for me as the gaffer.

"I said to the players I am proud of you. The work ethic they put in, I want them crawling off the pitch with no energy left and you could see that.

"I am disappointed but not frustrated because we can have no regrets following that performance."

The result means the Saddlers have extended their unbeaten run in League One to six matches.

"We have to take the positives out of how we performed today," Whitney continued.

"We have extended the unbeaten run in the league. It's now two losses in 13.

"We are a good solid team now and we look a threat on the counter-attack. If one of those chances had gone in it would be a perfect world.

"They were there for the taking but let's respect them for what they have."