Aaron Lescott: Saddlers have turned the corner

Aaron Lescott today admitted Walsall's flops cannot hide from their critics - but insisted the Saddlers are back on track.

Fans have hit out at the players after below-par performances led to the sacking of boss Chris Hutchings last week.

A 2-2 draw at fellow- strugglers Bristol Rovers on Tuesday moved them off the bottom of League One and seven points from safety.

But left-back Lescott conceded the players must accept the flak for their poor season so far.

"If you're bottom of league you can't argue withany criticism you get from the fans. With the players we've got we shouldn't be at the bottom of the league," said Lescott, who scored an 83rd-minute equaliser against his former club on Tuesday.

"I wouldn't say it was justified when the fans said we weren't trying because no player goes out not to try, but we're starting to get the right results now and fans can see different things.

"Now we're off the bottom and looking forward."

Caretaker boss Dean Smith has guided the Saddlers to two draws against Tranmere and the Pirates since the sacking of Hutchings.

Walsall have a points target in their bid to beat the drop and Lescott is confident they can win enough games in the second half of the season to survive.

"You keep targets in house but as long as we achieve what we should do, we can climb the table," he said.