Smith heaps praise on Grimes

It was the former Rochdale player's first goal in nearly two years, and Smith said: "I am really chuffed for him - it's been a long time coming.

"He was in the right area at the right time, and I am pleased for him. He was unlucky not to score with the first chance he had."

Grimes, who joined the Saddlers at the start of the season, had struggled to get a regular place, but he made no mistake from close range after Paul Downing touched on an Anthony Forde free-kick. He had replaced top scorer Tom Bradshaw who went off in the 59th minute with a hamstring strain.

It saved Walsall from a third successive home defeat after they had been hit on the break by Gillingham in the 69th minute when Bradley Dack latched onto a ball from John Egan and drilled a low effort past Richard O'Donnell.

The Saddlers, now without a home win in four games, had dominated the game but couldn't finish, though Gillimngham, now unbeten in three league matches, defended superbly.

Smith, whose team this week reached the Wembley final in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, said: "I am disappointed because in the first half we dominated but didn't take our chances, and their goalkeeper (Stuart Nelson) has made some good saves. We were well on top without being in any trouble.

"The second half was a bit scrappy and they ended up taking their one chance with a good finish. We could have had a penalty and they could have had a penalty.

"There was no lack of effort from the team, but we probably lacked a bit of quality in the final third."

Darren Hare, one of Gillingham's caretaker managers, said: "I was disappointed with the equaliser because it was a poor goal to give away, but on the whole we are happy with a point.

"We defended very well and the lads have been superb for the last two or three games. That's three games unbeaten in the league and four in all competitions.

"We took the lads away for three days for a break and they have rewarded us."

Hare also praised central defenders Egan and Max Ehmer, who were outstanding.

"We have a buzzing dressing room and the boys deserve credit for working so hard in the last few games. They are getting the reward for it.

Walsall boss Smith hopes to sign a player on loan before the deadline, and as Bradshaw could be out for a while he needs an attacking player.