WALSALL’S interim boss Martin O’Connor felt Southend United ‘were there for the taking’ in Friday’s 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium.

The Saddlers rescued a share of the spoils with a stoppage time penalty from Aramide Oteh.

And O’Connor, whose side remain 23rd in the League One table, told Walsall’s club’s website he felt the Sadders could have won.

“Southend were there for the taking in my eyes but they showed resilience and we gave them a lifeline with the poor goal that we conceded,” said O’Connor.

“They took that and they showed all of their experience and knowhow to calm the game down but we know it wasn’t the best performance.

“But we will take the point that we got in the end.

“It stops the rot in my opinion and we will go again on Monday.”