Jon Whitney urges Walsall to use focus

The Saddlers host Fleetwood in front of the Sky cameras on Monday in what is their penultimate game of the season.

But today, the second placed Brewers - who have a three point lead over Whitney's men – entertain a Gillingham side desperate to get back to winning ways after drifting out the play-off zone.

And while Whitney is hoping Justin Edinburgh's Gills do his side a favour, he knows victory over the Cod Army will ensure the race for automatic promotion goes to the final day.

"We are calling the Fleetwood game our semi-final," he said.

"We looked at the three games. The Shrewsbury game was our quarter-final. Now we have got a semi-final against Fleetwood, that is how we will approach it.

"I know it's for points but we are approaching it like a cup semi-final because we need to perform and get a result.

"If we win it gives us a chance in the final at Port Vale.

"We're in the knockout stages and we are going to enjoy it."

Whitney accepts his side need to win both their remaining games to have a chance of avoiding the lottery of the play-offs.

But the boss knows his team is in for tough test when they take on Steven Pressley's Fleetwood – who play in a similar style to the Saddlers.

"I have got the upmost respect for Steven and how he plays his football," Whitney continued.

"They are a footballing team, they do things the right way – similar to us.

"They are trying to build on the ethos of this football club – one where you are patient with your manager and you allow players to develop and fulfil their potential.

"I think if they stay up this season they will really push on next year.

"They play with a high tempo, it's going to be a real test and a real chess match.

"They have got really technical players and it's about retaining the ball – very similar to us.

"It's about keeping possession and getting the ball back quickly when you do lose it so you can affect the opposition."