Express & Star

Brian Dutton full of praise for Walsall's 'effort and endeavour'

Brian Dutton has praised his Walsall side for their ‘effort and endeavour’ in the 0-0 draw with Carlisle, but believes a lack of quality was their downfall.

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In a game where neither side could change their league status it was a largely dull affair in Cumbria with few chances on goal.

The Saddlers missed a golden chance in injury time through Caolan Lavery and ended up with a point, and Dutton highlighted the lack of quality as an issue.

“The game was a dead rubber before the match and it played out to be a bit of a dead rubber in terms of quality,” Dutton said.

“Both teams gave their all. There wasn’t a lack of effort and endeavour, there was a lack of quality.

“There were very few chances during the match but I was pleased with the endeavour from the guys.

“I always say away from home that the base is a clean sheet and to try and protect that, which they did.

“We had a couple of opportunities to win the game but didn’t take them. That’s probably been the story of the season to be honest.”

When asked if the players played with the pride Dutton wanted from them, he added: “For sure. They represented themselves and their families incredibly well.

“It would have been easy to slack and go through the motions, but I don’t think they did that.

“The attitude, effort and application was there, it was just a lack of quality we were missing.”