Walsall 1-1 Sheffield United

Ashley Grimes scored only his second goal for the Saddlers since signing from Bury in July 2014

Walsall substitute Ashley Grimes scored just two minutes after coming on to earn his side a deserved point against play-off chasing Sheffield United.

Jose Baxter gave the visitors an early lead when he lashed in from 25 yards.

But Walsall dominated for most of the game and striker Grimes, in for injured top scorer Tom Bradshaw, nodded in Ben Purkiss's cross to level on 71 minutes.

Grimes hit the post a minute later then home keeper Richard O'Donnell made a great save late on to deny Ben Davies.

As well as 16-goal Bradshaw (hamstring), Walsall were also without left-back Andy Taylor ahead of Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final, causing the recall of loan defender Mal Benning from York City.

Walsall manager Dean Smith told BBC WM:

"They scored early with a good finish from the lad Baxter. He's capable of that.

"But in the last 15 minutes of the first half the officials got us right up for it by making some strange decisions and getting the fans off their seats.

"We were the aggressors for the major part of the game and had enough chances to put the game to bed, but we just didn't take them.

"We hit the bar and the post and Grimesy scored a very good goal. We played very well against a very good team."