I will defend the team and the players generally but the result today was really disappointing and based on the second half performance we got what we deserved as we simply were not good enough all over the park.

The second half today was the worst performance in at least 18 months for me and the standards were nowhere near the level of the Notts County that we have all come to know and love under LW.

It was another game like Shrewsbury where Walsall did not look any better than us but once again it was our own poor performance rather than how well Walsall played that cost us the game.

The first half we had some chances and going in 1-0 up at half time at home gave us something to build on in the second half. All it needed was that second goal and we probably could have gone on and won it.

I don’t know if it’s me but when we concede we seem to concede again not long after. It’s like it knocks us and then we struggle and then get knocked again and it all becomes chaotic.

Walsall didn’t create that much and we didn’t either. I can’t think of a quieter half that we have had where we lacked intensity, concentration and focus and creatively inthe final third. All through the side there were mistakes in passing and dangerous moments at the back where we were getting ourselves into trouble and causing nervy moments.

We miss Matty Palmer massively in my opinion. and now he’s not in the side it shows what he brings and how irreplaceable he is. He is the engine and heart of midfield and sprays the ball everywhere.

The substitutions made little difference and neither offered anything or affected the game enough to make something happen or find a way through. I felt we played too safe and maybe confidence is a little low but it needed more bite, hunger and aggression.

I also felt Walsall were more streetwise and pressed us well which forced us long at times but their defence kept tidying up.

This may seem like the unpalatable truth only time will tell but I don’t expect January to be the magic bullet. It never is mid season. We may have to face facts here and accept we might be like Stockport this season. If we can finish in the top seven for me that would be success. Then learn from this season and make the additions in the summer when there is more choice available. We are not too far off but we are slightly out of tune at the moment.