PHIL Parkinson believes an “incredible” goalkeeping performance from Walsall’s Neil Etheridge was the chief reason Wanderers fell to their first defeat of the season at the Banks’s Stadium.

Despite being reduced to 10 men after just 15 minutes when Joe Edwards was sent off by ref Trevor Kettle for an elbow on Chris Taylor, the Saddlers soon nudged ahead through Jason McCarthy.

Wanderers laid siege to the Walsall goal in the second half but Etheridge’s brilliance kept them at bay, denying Taylor, David Wheater and Jamie Proctor with three world class saves.

“I thought we started the game well, had some good chances, but after the sending off we conceded a soft goal,” Parkinson said.

“They sat back and went 4-4-1 and I think we found it difficult, we were a little slow on the ball over that period.

“We still had chances but it was a poor goal to concede from our point of view.

“In the second half we changed our shape and did everything we could to get back into the game.

“The goalkeeper has pulled off some of the best saves that you are ever likely to see. He was incredible.”

Wanderers’ misery was compounded when Keshi Anderson was given a second yellow card late in the game.

His first was dished out seconds after coming on to the pitch as a substitute for Chris Taylor – too soon in the referee’s estimation.

Parkinson was less than impressed with the official’s performance, not for the first time in recent weeks.

“I think in general it was a poor performance but you saw the game – I’ll leave it to you to comment on that,” he said.

“For Keshi Anderson to end up sent off is one of the most ridiculous decisions you are every likely to see. The fourth official has pushed him on to the pitch and I’m saying ‘no, hang on, Chris (Taylor) hasn’t come off yet. Common sense has surely then got to prevail with the second yellow card… but obviously not.”