Notts County ‘just couldn’t find that final moment’ in draw with leaders Walsall

Notts County manager Martin Paterson wants his side to channel the frustration of being held to a 0-0 draw by Walsall at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies had the majority of the possession against the League Two leaders, but were unable to find the net.

Matthew Dennis’ strike from the edge of the six-yard box for County was as close as either side got to breaking the deadlock, but visiting goalkeeper Myles Roberts was equal to the shot.

“The team were disappointed, which I quite like,” said Paterson, whose side would have gone top of the table with victory.

“In terms of the result and not winning at home, I can agree that it was a frustrating afternoon.

“But, in terms of the performance and some of the moments we created, I think it was quite simple to see today that we were the dominant team, but we just couldn’t find that final moment.

“Credit to them, they’re top of the league for a reason and they defended well, and we didn’t do enough to win the game, because ultimately goals win games.”

The encounter between the teams leading the way in League Two heading into the weekend was scrappy, though Paterson refused to be drawn on the tactics employed by the visitors.

“I’ve no thoughts on anything other than how Notts County go about our business and how we play,” said the 38-year-old.

“I’m not disrespectful enough to ever mention an opposition. Yes, they defended their box well, they were rigid, they were organised, and they’re top of the league.

“At the end of the day, I thought we had a good hold of the game but without the final moment to deliver that knife-edge, which normally we can do.

“It’s difficult when you’re playing against a team that defend well and defend low. That’s not a criticism, that’s just how it was.”

Meanwhile, Walsall manager Mat Sadler described the game as “really tough”.

He added: “It just felt like we didn’t have that energy that we normally do.

“We weren’t quite brave, bright, or proactive enough to move the football and to get on the ball more in the way that we do.”

The visitors’ sole effort at goal was courtesy of Daniel Kanu, who was denied by home goalkeeper Kelle Roos after collecting Keanan Bennetts’ misdirected pass before the break.

“I thought Daniel looked like a real threat in a game of very few chances, but it just felt a little bit like we were not to our usual level of energy today,” Sadler added.

“But, listen, this is a difficult place to come, so from our point of view, it’s a good point, and credit to all the lads.”