Walsall boss Lee Grant left with mixed emotions after Rochdale stalemate

Lee Grant says he was left with mixed emotions after Walsall were unable to find a way past Rochdale in their goalless stalemate at Bescot.

Walsall had 24 shots and dominated possession, but were forced to settle for a third successive draw on a frustrating afternoon.

Aaron Pressley saw his close-finish blocked behind in the first half, while James Connolly had a header scrambled off the line shortly after the restart.

Rochdale also had chances, as Bada Adeeko hit the crossbar and Dajaune Brown forced a smart save from Jed Ward in close proximity to one another in the first period.

Mixed emotions for Walsall boss Grant

“There are probably two emotions. It’s probably the most proud I’ve been as a head coach ever,” head coach Grant said.

“To put a group of players together. 15 new faces being in each other’s company for a very short space of time and then for a really good team to come here and give us that sort of respect.

“And to fight and work against us the way they did, shows us where we’re at and what the group has earned with their performances and with their work to this point.

“So incredibly proud of that and at the same time bitterly disappointed that we dropped two more points here at home in a game that we have to win.”

He continued: “Our deficiencies currently are clear, but the group have owned them, as do I and take full responsibility for that.

“Whilst we can be really proud of what we’re doing. The control, the dominance, 24 shots and 70 per cent possession, it doesn’t really mean a great deal if we don’t put that to bed.

“Two feelings both present in me at the moment. So a weird feeling.”