Blog: November to remember for the Saddlers

November spawns six games in three different competitions for the Saddlers, writes Walsall blogger Mark Jones.

So far 2014-15 has failed to ignite or excite, but the next half dozen games will give us a pretty good indication of the direction the season's heading.

League One aside, we have Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup - again.

With 79 other teams in the 1st Round draw, by my calculations there was a 158-1 chance of drawing them at home for the second year running - and the third time in 7 years.

Shrews have done well in cup competitions this year, with three scalps in the League Cup, not that beating the on-going car crash that is Blackpool was necessarily a shock.

As above, sadly it probably won't be like last season's whitewash.

For a start, they might bring enough fans to half fill the away end this time. Hey, they can even bring their temporary seats if it makes them feel at home.

It'll be interesting to see the reaction our Tom Bradshaw gets but, honestly, I won't object if you don't celebrate any of your goals. It'll be fine.

Then its Sheffield United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. I know getting to the area quarters is an achievement these days but putting it on the telly, really?

Following the cup action will be Peterborough at home. One of last season's best performances was against Fry and Fergie Jnr's mob.

But, as usual, they have been splashing the cash, so it will be the second of two tough home fixtures in a row regardless.

After that it's Fleetwood, our previous visit there will always conjure up the image of a side and a manager on life support.

How we got away with a draw that day in 2010, and the subsequent replay win, remains a bit of a mystery but again I'd happily take a point if it were offered right now.

Of course, Fleetwood is one of those tedious stories that only seem to excite those who don't really have a feel for lower division football.

I mean just how exactly have they managed to win seven promotions with just a rich chairman providing them with the biggest budget in each of the seven divisions they've risen through? It's a real teaser isn't it?

We finishing the month at Coventry, now back at the Ricoh with everything sorted out and absolutely nothing at all to worry about, charging us an arm and a leg for the privilege.

Easily the only fixture of the month I wouldn't settle for a repeat scoreline from our last meeting at the same venue.

The next month will almost certainly define our season. If we end it higher up the table and still in three competitions then we can dare to dream a little.

Alternatively, if we lose the lot then social media will probably go into meltdown, although if we win five and draw one unluckily some of the critics will still be on manager Dean Smith's back.

I'm not greedy, two cup wins will do me.