Brian Dutton: Walsall closing in on League Two safety

Following a 0-0 stalemate away to Southend on Tuesday, Walsall left Grimsby with another point after a 1-1 draw.

The Saddlers put in an improved performance at Blundell Park, despite carrying little attacking threat in the second half, and Dutton now hopes his side are nearing safety.

“It wasn’t the win I was after but to be honest, if you told me I could take a point each from Southend and Grimsby, I would have probably taken it,” he said.

“Simply because that keeps the wolves from the door and leaves us with fixtures that we can go and attack now.

“Grimsby and Southend have to do something pretty phenomenal between now and the end of the season to overtake us.

“That was the main objective, to keep the wolves from the door, and that’s what we’ve done.

“I’m delighted to come away from here with the point and an improved performance.”

Southend beat Harrogate 1-0 to close the gap to Walsall to six points, but with the Saddlers having a game in hand Dutton believes they will survive.

When asked if the Southend win adds any pressure on his team, Dutton added: “It leaves Grimsby and Southend in the same situation doesn’t it.

“They’re six points behind with us having a game in hand. It’s a tough ask for them but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves.”