Adam Chambers: Walsall must put things right in Checkatrade Trophy clash

The Saddlers crashed out the world's oldest domestic cup competition on Saturday following a 1-0 loss to National League outfit Macclesfield.

That defeat, at the Banks's Stadium, infuriated supporters who also saw Jon Whitney's side exit the EFL Cup in the first round earlier this season.

But the players have little time to lick their wounds with a trip to Leicester Under-23s tonight in the Checkatrade Trophy before they head to take on MK Dons in the league on Saturday.

And Chambers believes it's vital the team give something back to the fans by returning to winning ways as soon as possible.

"We want to put things right," the captain declared. "Everybody now needs to respond. It's a good thing that we have got another game straight away.

"It's a chance for everyone to show a positive reaction, put in a performance and get back to winning ways.

"We were all majorly disappointed to exit the FA Cup and we understand the performance was not good enough. Now we have to make sure we respond in the right way. Analyse where we went wrong and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Walsall entered the clash against The Silkmen having enjoyed a six-match unbeaten run.

And Chambers admits it was a shock to everyone that they put in such a flat display.

"We were on a very good run of results and performances had been good as well," the 35-year-old said.

"It was a surprise to have such a flat performance.

"You have got to give a lot of credit to Macclesfield because they came and did a job on us.

"They worked really hard. They had a game plan and stopped us getting into our normal rhythm.

"We found it difficult to play through the middle of the pitch like we like to. And they restricted us to going a little bit longer.

"But we have to hold our hands up because we were disappointing, very disappointing.

"We were flat. We lacked a spark. Games like that you need to get on the front foot as quickly as possible. But we didn't get going and we have to look at why."

Whitney's side take on Leicester Under-23s tonight having already secured their place in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy by earning wins over Grimsby and Sheffield United.

But after Saturday's performance, Chambers knows they cannot afford to take the game lightly.

"We have performed well in the competition so far," the skipper added.

"We're out the FA Cup which is a real shame because you want to go as far as you can and get to the latter rounds.

"It's our chance to play against some of the bigger teams in the country.

"It's not to be this year so know we have to focus all our efforts on achieving success in the league and in the Checkatrade Trophy.

"We need to get performance levels back to where we know they can be. That starts tonight at Leicester."