Jon Whitney hails Walsall defence after Millwall stalemate

The Saddlers extended their unbeaten run in League One to four matches following an organised an committed display at The Den.

In a match short lacking in clear-cut chances, Whitney's side stopped the Lions from having a single shot on target in the 90 minutes.

And Whitney was particularly pleased with the defensive resolve his side showed.

"I think our back three were outstanding," he said.

"When you look at their front two, Lee Gregory and Steve Morison are a threat.

"They forced quite a few corners but other than that they didn't really have a chance.

"The lads took it from the training pitch. We worked at it a lot on Tuesday and you can see they are taking what we tell them forward.

"But in open play as well we kept it really well and that is the key for me. Neil Etheridge's actions in the last few games have been halved.

"And that tells you that we are stopping teams coming on to us. It means we have a better shape and we are becoming that front foot pressing team."

Millwall entered the clash having knocked Premier League Watford out of the FA Cup on Sunday ­– a result which stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches.

And Whitney, while disappointed not to win, admitted he was pleased with the point.

"It was a good point away from home and it keeps the run going," he said.

"They came into it off the back of confidence boosting win against Watford. But I thought we matched them and they didn't have a shot on target which I bet hasn't happened too many times here.

"We created a few half-chances ourselves and I felt we mighty nick one at the end and get one of those nice 1-0 away victories.

"But I was delighted with the lads. I thought their application and commitment was excellent. To keep a clean sheet is very pleasing. But we also had an attacking threat. We didn't just park the bus."