Morgan Ferrier: Walsall desperate to get derby victory

The Saddlers travel to the Montgomery Waters Meadow stadium where they will take on their local rivals in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy.

The competition has been steeped in controversy ever since Premier League and Championship sides were given permission to enter under-21 teams.

But while that has seen many fans stay away, Ferrier says Walsall’s players can’t wait for tonight’s clash – with the team determined to end a run that has seen them fail to win in five games.

“It feels like everyone is buzzing to play,” the striker said.

“It’s a derby, it’s knockout football now and the lads are determined to go there and get the win.

“Winning is winning, it breeds confidence and we haven’t won as frequently as we would have liked of late.

“It’s been frustrating for us as players and the fans because we haven’t been delivering as we can.

“But against Sunderland we were on the front foot. They have got one of the biggest budgets in the league I am told.

“But in the second half we passed them off the park.

“When we play like that we are have shown we are a match for anyone.”

Walsall began the campaign with a seven match unbeaten run.

But they have been blighted by a series of errors in recent weeks with the team having conceded two or more goals in nine of their last 11 outings.

But Ferrier feels the side is now starting to find more of a balance.

“I feel we have got to find that medium,” he continued.

“There have been games where we haven’t conceded but at the other end we’ve not been as clinical as we can be.

“There are other games where we are scoring but we are conceding.

“I feel like we have got to find that balance and get back to what we were doing at the start of the season.

“At the start of the season we weren’t conceding and every game we were looking threat.

“But it’s a long old season, you are going to have ups and downs.

“As long as we stick together and we stay united we will get out of whatever tough faze we are going through.”

Walsall now face a gruelling December with six more matches after tonight’s cup tie.

But Ferrier says they have the squad to cope.

“The games come thick and fast in December and January so you’ve got to prepare right – both physically and mentally,” he added.

“But we we have got so much depth.

“Against Sunderland on Saturday, we have got players like Kieron (Morris) who didn’t even get on the pitch.

“Zeli (Ismail) isn’t fit. Gino (Josh Ginnelly) came on for just five minutes. We have got Joe Edwards on the way back.

“We know with our squad we have got the ability to do well in this run of games coming up.

“And anyone who is picked on that day knows they have to do their best for the club.

“There is real competition for places here and if you don’t perform someone else will.”