WALSALL boss Dean Smith believes his side’s team spirit could be the decisive factor that helps the League One strugglers win their relegation battle.

Smith, who saw his side denied what would have been a crucial victory by Jason Lowe’s late strike for Oldham on Monday, praised his squad’s togetherness following the 1-1 draw at Boundary Park.

And although he admits he would have preferred all three points, the manager was largely encouraged by the visitors taking a 1-0 lead through Tom Williams. And, more importantly, he was pleased to see Walsall’s honesty.

“I felt we worked really hard and were worthy of our lead,” Smith said.

“To concede so late was a blow but it’s a point towards our total and moves us out of the drop zone, which gives us a big boost. We live to fight another day; the lads worked extremely hard on a lively and big pitch.

“We’re a tough team to play against and we’ve got fantastic team spirit, which will count for a lot in the final reckoning.”

■ The Saddlers will host Villa in a pre-season friendly on Thursday, July 21.