Tom Bradshaw believes Walsall can prevail
Striker Tom Bradshaw is confident Walsall can shoot down another high-flier and take a big step towards Wembley tonight.
The Saddlers head to Preston for the first leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final as big underdogs to reach March 22's showpiece game.
Their hosts are unbeaten in 10 games and riding high, sitting third in League One.
But Bradshaw is quick to point out Walsall have made a habit of beating in-form sides this term, scoring impressive wins at Notts County, Fleetwood and Milton Keynes Dons.
The 22-year-old sees no reason why they can't pull off another surprise against a side they beat 3-1 at the Banks's Stadium back in September.
He said: "Preston are a good team; they have some very good players up front, but what we have to remember is we beat them 3-1 already this season.
"The majority of the team they have now played in that game – obviously we are playing on their ground this time, but we need to have every belief we can win there, too.
"We went to Notts County when they were flying high and beat them, we beat MK Dons when they were 13 games unbeaten.
"We have beaten the teams who are flying high this season. I see no reason why we can't do the same tonight."
While Bradshaw's 14 goals this season have come in just 21 appearances, he is yet to open his account in the JPT.
The former Shrewsbury Town hitman acknowledges his excellent form will make him the subject of transfer window speculation, but insists his focus remains very much on the Saddlers and getting to Wembley – whether by the Trophy or the play-offs.
He said: "I'm from a very close family and they keep me grounded. There is going to be speculation when you have scored so many goals, but I am so grateful to Walsall as a club.
"I'm just happy at the moment to carry on playing game by game, aiming for personal targets and team targets. Hopefully we can end up in the play-offs at the end of the season with at least one Wembley trip."
