Jon Whitney: Walsall players need to up their game
Walsall boss Jon Whitney has told his players they need to up their game after they crashed out of the Checkatrade Trophy with a 3-1 defeat to Oldham.
On an night that saw the Saddlers register their first sub-1000 attendance since 1945, goals from Lee Croft, Lee Erwin and Cameron Burgess sent the Latics through to the round of 16.
Whitney's side had taken a first-half lead thanks to Amadou Bakayoko's eighth goal of the season.
But the visitors netted all their goals after the interval to ensure Walsall have now exited all three cup competitions this season.
"I didn't see that result coming," Whitney said.
"I praised the players at half-time because I had asked for energy and they have it to me.
"I put players out there that keep the ball and enjoying playing football and I thought first-half – the crowd that were here enjoyed it.
"I felt we were doing the right things. I thought Flo (Cuvelier) was excellent. But we can't account for individual mistakes – it's killing me at the moment.
"We need to get back to being hard to beat. It was too easy for them."
Whitney made five changes to the team that fell to defeat to Fleetwood with Craig MacGillivray, Liam Kinsella, Isaiah Osbourne, Simeon Jackson and Cuvelier given a chance to impress.
And Whitney felt some did well enough to be in contention for the visit of Bradford at the weekend.
"Certain players have staked a claim but I need to look at it when there is less emotion," he continued.
"I need to work out how I can get a team that's difficult to beat against Bradford. Let's face it, we cannot be conceding goals like we did against Oldham.
"Balls into the box we need to attack better. We need to defend more resolutely.
"Inconsistently is the problem. You think of Sheffield United and the pressure they put us under but we came though that.
"I need to look at my players, my experienced players as well and work out why we are making those decisions."
Whitney received some stick from the home supporters who were disappointed to see their side exit the competition.
"To the supporters I say thanks for coming," the boss added.
"I tried to pick a team that will entertain and I have got players on the pitch that can be game changers. But it's that decision making we are getting punished for."
