Saddlers skipper pinpoints problem

Andy Butler today warned Walsall must "learn how to win" again – or suffer the consequences.

The Saddlers skipper laid down the law after they blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Saturday.

It extended the Saddlers' miserable run to just three wins in 25 games in all competitions – although they have only lost twice in League One since November.

They have dropped 17 points from winning positions this term and Butler insisted they must find the winning formula.

"We've put some good results together and it's pleasing we're not losing but we've got to learn how to win," he said with the Saddlers 20th. "We've made some costly mistakes and invited pressure on and we've got to learn from that and learn fast.

"It's a fine margin between getting one and three points. We're not losing so we can take confidence in that and it was another point to the tally on Saturday.

"We've improved home and away. In the first half on Saturday we were excellent. We deserved to be 2-0 ahead and our form is improving. We're a hard team to beat – it's just that little step now to turn one point into three."

It was the first time the Saddlers had scored more than one first-half league goal in a year since their 6-1 win over Bristol Rovers last January.

They were 2-0 up at the break against Shrewsbury in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in August but Butler dismissed any suggestions the Saddlers were nervous in their rare position.

"We were full of confidence at half time and looked bright," said the defender. "We didn't start too badly. We weren't nervous but we need to see games out now and need to be smart in how to finish games off. One decision can change a game.

"We dropped too deep and it's understandable when you haven't got the habit of winning, you tend to drop a bit to keep the lead."

Butler bagged his second of the season against the Cherries but insisted he would give his goal up for a vital win.

"It's always nice to score but I'd rather have the three points than a goal. I'd rather take a clean sheet too. I can't out into words how frustrated I am," added the 28-year-old.