Express & Star

Walsall masters of own destiny

Walsall boss Dean Keates has reiterated to his players that their fate rests in their own hands as they prepare to face Scunthorpe.

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The Saddlers’ hopes of staying in League One were dealt a major blow last weekend when they let a two-goal lead slip to lose to AFC Wimbledon.

Now sat just two points above the relegation zone with four matches to play, Keates’ men are aiming to bounce back when they travel to take on the promotion-chasing Iron tomorrow.

And with rivals Oldham and Rochdale still below them after they played out a goalless draw on Tuesday, Keates believes it’s important the players know they are in charge of their own destiny.

“Our fate is in our own hands and that is something we have highlighted to the lads,” the boss said. “It’s always been in our hands and even though we lost to Wimbledon it’s still in our hands.

“We are on a level par with most teams when it comes to the number of games that have been played. And we have got a game in hand over Oxford.

“So it’s up to us. All being well, we can go to Scunthorpe and get the result we need.

“We need to get the right tally of points on the board to make sure we are still in League One next season.”

Scunthorpe had fallen out of the play-offs following a 10 game winless run but they have bounced back into the top six after beating Charlton last weekend. And Keates believes it may benefit his side that the Iron still have something to play for.

“Scunthorpe a massive result at the weekend and it’s put them slap bang back into the play-offs,” he said. “Both teams are fighting for something. It will be a tough game, they are in the top six because they have been consistent.

“They did drop out but they have gone and got a decent result at the weekend.”

Keates also confirmed he expects Jack Fitzwater to be available after the defender came off in the loss against the Dons with a tight hamstring.