Walsall made it a hat-trick of goal-less draws - but manager Chris Hutchings was delighted with his team's performance against Norwich at Carrow Road. 'We had to withstand a little bit of pressure early on when they came at us, but I was delighted with the way we passed the ball when we had to, and could,' said Hutchings.

Walsall made it a hat-trick of goal-less draws - but manager Chris Hutchings was delighted with his team's performance against Norwich at Carrow Road.

'We had to withstand a little bit of pressure early on when they came at us, but I was delighted with the way we passed the ball when we had to, and could,' said Hutchings.

'We created a few chances, but overall I am delighted with the performance and if we had come away today without anything I think it would have been a bit unjust. We calmed it down when we had to, we know the crowd can turn sometimes and get a bit frustrated, but I thought we were a threat all day today and another day we might have got all three point.

'But we have come to Carrow Road and taken a point- and I expect them to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season,' added Hutchings.

'I thought we were very good today, very organised, disciplined - and a clean sheet, which is vital.

'You come away and you work on these things and you've always got a chance to win the game and get a clean sheet.'

Hitchings gave a first league start to on-loan Manchester City central defender Clayton McDonald, who was a tower of strength in an impressive defensive performance by the Saddlers.

'He did do well, but I would rather talk about the team because it was a hell of a team performance,' he said. 'They still put us under pressure and our back four had to defend well. Let's not take any credit away from them.

'I thought Manny (Smith) was excellent and Clayton, along with Darryl (Westlake) and Jamie (Vincent) to be fair.

'The midfield worked tirelessly - it was a big, big team performance today and the lads should believe they can go on to bigger things.'

Walsall could have made off with all three points had Darren Byfield not missed good opportunities in each half - a header, plus a shot later on which he pushed across the face of goal.

'He had a similar chance on Tuesday evening and elected to pass,' said Hutchings.

'I gave him a rollocking then so there was no way he was going to pass this time. The belief is there, I don't think we are playing without any confidence.

'You keep working at things and sooner or later the penny drops and that's what we have got to do.

'It's a clean sheet, it's a good point. I don't think there will be many teams that come here and get something.'