Saddlers boss Dean Smith eyes 50-point barrier

Boss Dean Smith today targeted breaking the magic 50-point barrier as Walsall bid to pull off the great escape.

The Saddlers need 15 points from their final 10 games to reach the 50 mark – the minimum amount required to survive in the last three seasons – ahead of Saturday's crunch showdown at drop rivals Yeovil.

And with Walsall fourth bottom Smith stressed none of the teams at the foot of League One know what they will need to beat the drop but doesn't want to leave it to chance.

He said: "In our last 10 games we've taken 1.5 points a game, 15 points from a possible 30, and if we do that in the next 10 games it will take us up to 50 points which normally keeps you up. But we're not relying on 50 points, we want more than that.

"No-one knows how much you'll need. We're taking each game as it comes and we'll be no different to any other teams. Yeovil will be worried, Dagenham will be worried with the position they're in and all the teams down there will be exactly the same as us. They want to be above the safety line on May 7.

"Everyone will take points off everyone though, the league will shape itself naturally and we must only focus on our performances."

The Saddlers go to Huish Park knowing a win would send them above the sixth-bottom Glovers but need to add to their tally of just two goals in seven games.

Striker Darren Byfield completed 90 minutes in yesterday's behind-closed-doors 2-0 friendly defeat at Crewe as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

And Smith is hopeful the hitman could soon be fit enough to make his first start since September.

He said: "Only time will tell, we've got a couple of days left to see how he does. Today was an off-load day for him and we'll have a look and see how he is tomorrow.

"He's got a lot of enthusiasm and he's been buzzing around the dressing room. A fully fit Darren Byfield can only be a benefit for us.

"He needed the minutes, he's played a bit part in games and he'll be better for it now. A few of the lads had 90 minutes and everyone's come through unscathed."