Spireites deserved FA Cup draw says Walsall caretaker Whitney

Whitney’s Saddlers led for most of the game, until Spireites levelled in the final minutes through Sam Morsy.

The goal had been coming, however, with Chesterfield unlucky not to hit the net in the second half.

Whitney said the strong wind turned the game into a battle.

“It was a fair result at the end of it and a real frantic finish,” he said.

“The conditions helped make it a classic cup tie. People think that we cannot mix it, but we have shown today that we can play football and mix it as well.

“We have dug in deep today. We did have chances to put the game to bed in the second half, but that is football.

“We are a bit disappointed with the goal that we gave away, but when we make mistakes we make mistakes together.”

Whitney insisted it was still a good result for Walsall, despite conceding late on, and he’s relishing the second round replay.

““They had the wind in their favour in the second half and it was a real onslaught that they put us under the closing stages.

“We had hoped that we could have seen the tie through, but it is important that we keep perspective.

“We cannot get too up when we win and too down when we do not win, we need to take the emotions out.

“Chesterfield are a good team with good players up front in Ebanks-Blake and Novak and we did not underestimate them.

“We are still in the hat for the next round, which is important and are delighted to take them back to our place.”