KEVIN Bond has thanked Southend United supporters for their ‘brilliant’ backing at Walsall.

Blues were roared on by close to 600 fans during the 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium.

And Bond was full of praise for the way the travelling support got behind his side.

“The fans were absolutely brilliant all game, they were extremely vocal and I would like to thank every single one of them for making that journey, especially with it being a bank holiday weekend,” said Bond.

“It really does make a difference to us and I just wish we could have rewarded them with the three points.

“I apologise for not coming over to show my support like I should have done but my head was elsewhere after that ending to the game and I wanted to see the referee.”

The Shrimpers seemed to be heading for a vital victory at the Bescot Stadium until referee Ross Joyce awarded the Saddlers a controversial stoppage time penalty which was converted by Aramide Oteh.