Speaking after Tuesday evening's EFL Trophy - Southern Group D defeat to Oxford United, assistant manager and development coach Brian Dutton admitted he was disappointed as the Saddlers exited the competition.
Walsall went into the match knowing that only a win would guarantee them a place in the Second Round as Bristol Rovers and Chelsea Under-21’s, who are currently tied on two points - one point behind the Saddlers - meet next week.
The match saw the Saddlers continue their recent spell of disappointing form in front of goal with striker Caolan Lavery's crossbar-hitting header being the closest thing to a goal for the men in red.
Walsall's failure to make the most of their few chances at goal was punished three minutes from time as second-half substitute Derick Osei Yaw slammed home for the edge of the area to see the U's safely through as group leaders.
Speaking to the assembled media, Brian said; "We’re really disappointed to concede so late in the game. The lads left it all out on the pitch, there wasn’t a bad performance out there.
"They really dug in for us and it was a sucker punch at the end. It was a strong defensive performance, we kept them relatively quiet and Oxford are a top team.
"They finished in the Play-Offs last year and were really unlucky not to progress into the second tier.
"It was a really solid performance and then that one lapse of concentration towards the end and with the quality Oxford have on the pitch they’ve punished us. It’s a big learning curve for us."