Express & Star

Survival is still main aim for Walsall's George Bowerman

George Bowerman today insisted survival is still Walsall's top priority – despite their stunning start to the season.

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The Saddlers' 3-1 win over Preston on Saturday lifted them to seventh in League One to keep pace with the early leaders.

Bowerman's brace and a James Baxendale strike saw the Saddlers cancel out Joel Byrom's opener at the Banks's Stadium for their fourth win of the season.

But after two years of relegation battles Bowerman said Walsall cannot get ahead of themselves.

He said: "First and foremost you have to survive. Any club in Walsall's position, that's the first thing you have to do. We won't get carried away with this start. We want as many points as we can to see where it takes us in the league and fingers crossed we'll have a good season.

"But the way we're playing at the moment shows we're a good side and good sides usually end up near the top, so we'll see what happens."

Dean Smith's men have lost just once in their last seven games to sit joint fourth in the table, helped by Bowerman's five goals.

Contribution

He is the division's third top scorer and now has nine goals in just eight career starts for the Saddlers but played down his contribution.

"It's nice and I want to score goals. If I can stay up there throughout the season then I'll be happy," said the 20-year-old.

"I've always believed in myself, it was just about getting the opportunity. I knew I could take it. I have good family around me who help me keep my head straight and I know what I have to do. I'm always working hard and if you put the hard work in you'll get things out.

"I'm trying to improve all the time. I know what I need to work on and I think my overall game has improved this season.

"I was very pleased, it's nice to score goals but it's more important for the team to get three points. I don't mind how they come, I'll take a two-yard tap in, it's what I do.

"It's an added bonus I've scored and we've won. Hopefully we can go to Bournemouth on Saturday and get another win."

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