Darrell Clarke says 'it's all positive' after Walsall's win over Scunthorpe

Goals in either half from Wes McDonald and Alfie Bates handed the Saddlers the victory in Lincolnshire.

But Clarke's side endured some Iron pressure, particularly in the second half, as they held onto their lead from the first half.

Bates' finish late in the game secured the win in a rare second half attack and Clarke says he is taking the positives from the game.

“That’s what we’re about aren’t we, solid at times," he said.

“It’s nice to get the second goal at the end.

“Scunthorpe put us under a fair bit of pressure but I thought we defended superbly.

“Robbo’s (Liam Roberts) pulled off a great save at 1-0.

“They’re the fine lines of League Two.

“But credit to my boys, they put in a good shift and managed to get the three points.

“I try to be honest, but I think for the whole course of the season the desire and commitment has been there.

“We’re just trying to get better.

“Everybody looks at the Exeter game and thinks that’s two points dropped massively.

“Then you’re looking at the character again to come away from home again.

“Against a team that’s in-form, to get a clean sheet and win the game.

"It's all positive for me.

"To win four points from two away games, I'm telling you now, everybody would have snapped your hand off before that.

"We'll take the positives out of that and we'll keep working and chipping away with a couple home games coming up."

Right-back Shay Facey was missing from the squad for the fixture against Scunthorpe and although he travelled with the team, Clarke confirmed they didn't want to risk an injury to the 24-year-old.

"He had tight muscles really," Clarke added.

"I thought it was a big injury risk.

"Shay's done very, very well so I didn't want to overload him.

"We've got a lot of games over a period of time, there's always reasons why I make decisions.

"I know I'm clueless but I just try to focus and make sure that you keep players fit and fresh.

"Which is not easy when you haven't got a big squad and certainly an experienced squad, which we haven't got.

"Lads then know they're going to get their opportunities when they come along and I thought Clarkey (James Clarke) was outstanding at right-back.

"Their dangerous players were their wide players and I thought we defended them well."