Sam Mantom: We'll bounce straight back at Crewe

The Saddlers fell to a disappointing 3-0 loss against Millwall on Saturday despite Sean O'Driscoll's side dominating the opening hour of the League One clash.

Next up is a trip to Gresty Road to take on a Crewe side who remain in the relegation zone, three points from safety, despite beating Rochdale over the weekend.

Walsall travel with the best away record in the division having won nine of their 14 games outside WS1.

And Mantom revealed the players immediately switched their focus to that game following the loss against Neil Harris's

side.

"We were looking forward to Crewe the moment the Millwall game finished," Mantom said.

"We have got some really big games coming up and we are not going to let our confidence be dented by Millwall.

"That was just one game of football at the end of the day.

"We have got a week now to recover and to prepare for Crewe.

"Our form away from home has been excellent and we're confident we will go there and win the game."

The Saddlers have taken just one point from a possible nine in their last three outings at the Banks's Stadium.

And Mantom admits it's difficult to pinpoint why they are enjoying more success on the road.

"It is hard to put your finger on it but it was the same last season as well," the 23-year-old said. "Teams come to the Banks's for a point and they try and frustrate us.

"Two of the goals Millwall scored were from counter-attacks.

"We certainly don't go into games thinking we are at home and we haven't won here for a while.

"It is something we are going to have to work on though because everyone here is determined to do everything they can to win promotion."

Despite losing against Millwall, one of the big positives to come out the game was the performance of 21-year-old goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

The youngster was thrust into the first team at the last minute with both Neil Etheridge and Craig MacGillivray out through injury.

Roberts had to cope with heavy winds as well as a volatile away support with Mantom impressed with the way he handled the occasion.

"I thought in first half he was our best player by a mile," the former Albion midfielder said.

"He made some fantastic saves and dealt with the Millwall crowd really well.

"Second half the wind set in, but he couldn't do much about the goals and I thought he did smashing.

"All credit to him because he came in last minute for his senior debut and put in a performance like that."

Mantom was also grateful for the backing he received from Saddlers fans.

"We can't thank them enough for their support," he added.

"Be it through thick or thin, they are always there. They are fantastic."