Jon Whitney delighted with Walsall players after win
Walsall boss Jon Whitney saluted his players after victory over Sheffield United saw them through to the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy with a game to spare.
Goals from Scott Laird and Amadou Bakayoko saw the Saddlers run out deserved 2-1 winners at Bramall Lane tonight.
It means Walsall will qualify from Northern Group H no matter the result against Leicester next month.
The clash in Yorkshire was watched by just 2,691 fans as supporters stayed away in protest of changes that have allowed Premier League and Championship sides to enter under-23 teams into the tournament.
But Whitney feels the competition has been great for his young side
"I thought we were excellent," he said.
"It's a cup competition that gets a lot of negative press but it's been nothing but a positive for us with the two performances and the confidence that builds.
"It's nice to get through with a game to spare. But it was the manner of the performance that was really pleasing. We told the lads to treat it like a training exercise because the tempo they play at in training is excellent and that is with nobody watching.
"It doesn't matter about the crowd, you still have to perform and we did that. The work ethic and application was first rate and our pressing really limited their options. They played a strong team as well, it was a very good tie."
While delighted with his teams overall performance, Whitney was particularly pleased with Josh Ginnelly, Kevin Toner, Matt Preston and Joe Edwards.
"That is what I saw in Josh," the boss continued
"His work ethic for the team enabled his individual skill to flourish.
"Credit to the boys because I thought there were some brilliant individual displays. I thought Matt Preston and Kevin Toner did well at the back. And Joe Edwards was excellent in midfield.
"But our distribution and game management were a lot better and that is what got us the win in the end.
"And with 10 days without a game it's great to go into the international break on the back of two straight wins.
"If we can keep building runs, we have lost one in six now, that is what builds a successful team. You gain momentum, confidence grows and suddenly you win more than you lose."
