Express & Star

No fear of Saddlers collapse for Jamie Paterson

Jamie Paterson today backed Walsall's staying power and insisted they can avoid another mid-season collapse.

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The Saddlers go to Stevenage tonight after Saturday's impressive 2-1 win at Portsmouth lifted them to fifth in League One.

It extended their unbeaten run to five league games – after the 3-0 opening day defeat to Doncaster.

It echoes last season's start before they won just once in the next 20 games and slipped into a season-long relegation battle.

"Last season is different to this year," said 20-year-old Paterson. "This time we've beaten teams playing football. We've out-possessioned teams and I don't think we did that last year. That's not going to change – and hopefully it breeds more results.

"It's been a decent start, we're happy and if we keep getting the results we'll all be happy at the end of the season."

The Saddlers are unbeaten on the road – after wins at Portsmouth and Notts County and a draw at Oldham – while Stevenage are winless at home.

* England women face Croatia at the Banks's Stadium tomorrow in their final Euro 2013 qualifying game.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for under-16s and over 65s. Under 12s are free with a paying, accompanying adult. Tickets from the Banks's Stadium ticket office or on 01922-651 414/416.

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