Adam Chambers sums up Walsall's season

"It feels like we go two steps forward and one step back," he said.

Supporters might feel those numbers should be reversed – but in describing seven days where two disappointing performances and defeats extinguished any optimism obtained from a four-game unbeaten run, it's good enough.

"We had a bad start to the season and then we got on a good run," continued the skipper. "Then came Oldham and the defeat there, when the performance was not to our usual standard.

"We have got to keep working hard. We are still confident we can have a good season."

Just as you'd expect from a 33-year-old veteran, Chambers is saying all the right things before his team look to take a step back in the right direction at Crawley Town tonight.

The midfielder insists the squad are not feeling the pressure, despite sliding into the bottom four after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Crewe.

"I wouldn't say there is pressure, it's just frustration," he said. "At times this season we have shown what we are capable of.

"I know I keep saying it but it is just the consistency we lack.

"You look at certain goals, like the one against Bristol City, you look at that game and then you look on Saturday and it is like we are a totally different team. It's frustrating for the fans, the players and the staff alike but we keep working hard to try and find that consistency.

"Until we do that we are going to have games when we look really good and we are going to have games where we struggle.

"We have to find that consistency – it's important to have a level you don't drop below. We are working hard and confident it will come."

According to Chambers, having tonight's game come so quickly on the heels of Saturday's performance is exactly what the players want .

That's an immediate chance to recover ground lost by the past two defeats. The trouble is, that is exactly the same view that will be taken by a Crawley side who have conceded nine goals in their last two games and sit just two points above the Saddlers in 15th place.

And it is going to take more than just one result to set Walsall back on track and the skipper knows it.

"We have got to go again," he added. "We have this game tonight and sometimes that can be a good thing, the next game is just around the corner."

"We are confident in our ability and when we perform on our day we are more than a match for anyone in this division but there is a consistency we have lacked – not just in this season but in previous seasons.

"We are just looking to get on a consistent run and, if we can do that, I'm sure we will shoot up the division."