Dean Smith wants more from Walsall

Walsall manager Dean Smith today challenged the Saddlers to become home wreckers at Colchester after admitting the team had under-achieved.

Out-of-form Colchester last won against Oldham in August and Smith wants his team to prove their dip is over after a poor 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe last weekend.

He said: "It could be a tipping point because we didn't perform like we can on Saturday and the players have been told that.

"I have told them my expectations and there are a few who have been under-achieving in the last few weeks. They've been told that and the reasons why they need to improve.

"They owned up to maybe getting carried away and chasing games themselves when they don't need to.

"But tomorrow couldn't have come quick enough after last Saturday."

The hosts are just a point better off than the Saddlers after two wins from their first nine games.

Boss John Ward almost became Walsall manager in 2009 after the sacking of Jimmy Mullen but insisted he is impressed with Smith.

Ward said: "It's really pleasing that Dean has done as well as he has. He's now had the job throughout the summer and they've regrouped.

"Dean is now establishing himself as a good manager at not an easy place."