Saunders disappointed with a point against Blades

Crawley Town held their promotion chasing visitors to a 1-1 draw at the Checkatrade.com Stadium this afternoon, but Saunders admitted the result left a twinge of disappointment.

Reds led 1-0 through Richard Wood’s header in the second half, before Marc McNulty converted from the spot with eight minutes remaining after a Ryan Dickson foul.

Saunders was left to reflect on what he described as a bad goal to concede, although was pleased with his side extending their unbeaten run to three games.

He said: “On reflection we would have taken a point before the game, but the way we have been playing we expected to win.

“1-0 up with ten minutes to go and we had to hang on. It’s awful goal to concede, it’s a really bad goal.

“The goalkeeper has just punted the ball up the pitch and after all the possession they had, to concede from that is not good from our point of view.

“In the end, I suppose, looking at it we come a long way and know we are expected to beat teams like Sheffield United, so it’s good news for the fans and the players.

“The players are devastated in there. They thought we could have won the game so it is good signs.

“We have come a long way. To the point where we now expect to beat Sheffield United - it’s another big team that has come here and struggled.

“I’d like to think a point isn’t a bad result against them, but I can’t help feel disappointed.”

Reds were denied a penalty with 15 minutes left as Izale McLeod went down when bearing down on goal, before conceding one of their own in the closing stages.

Saunders said: “I couldn’t see whether it was a penalty for them. I couldn’t see whether it was in the box or a penalty, I am not sure and will have to have another look again.

“The other way, I thought Izale’s was a definite foul and if he gives a foul he has probably got to send him off.

“He’s clean through on goal, got in front of Jay McEverley and there’s contact. Most referees would give it and I don’t know why he hasn’t.”