Walsall still trying to make up lost points

With six points secured against Tranmere Rovers and Bolton Wanderers in their last two games, the Saddlers have found some much-needed form in League Two.

After several draws earlier in the campaign, Clarke was eager for victories to ‘back-up’ those stalemates and with Oldham the next test, the manager is eager not to get carried away.

“It’s a marathon not a sprint,” Clarke said. “We’ve put back-to-back wins together, which I think is important, and makes one or two of those draws look a bit better doesn’t it. Tranmere and Bolton are two big teams in this division, so the two wins are nice.

“But there’s still a frustration that we’ve chucked points away against Southend and Stevenage at home.

“The only way you make up for that is by trying to get a winning run together.

“This league is so tough and competitive and they’re on a very good run at the minute.

“Bolton were on a good run, barring the last two games, winning five on the spin.

“Tranmere were on a good run and they got beaten 5-0 by Exeter.

“We just have to reset. Any team can give you a good hiding in this division if you’re not on your game.

“I think we’re one of those teams that can give that out as well.”

In the last two games Walsall have scored five goals as they finally realise some of their attacking potential.

When asked if they now look more exciting going forward, Clarke added: “I’m hoping so.

“We have quality players in there that can hurt them but we need them on form.

“You need your forward-thinking players on form. Eli (Adebayo) has managed to get some goals, Wes (McDonald) is starting to look back to his best. (Rory) Holden as well.

“Josh Gordon is also coming back in. As soon as they start firing we’re a force to be reckoned with going forward.

“We probably haven’t had the results, at times, that we’ve warranted and deserved, but you have to earn those results.

“We’ve managed to do that in the last two games and now we look forward to Tuesday night.”

As the forwards find some form, the defenders have also been impressing in Walsall colours.

Cameron Norman has solidified his place in the starting XI, keeping Hayden White on the sidelines.

Clarke, however, insists that the right-back will be needed throughout the season.

“Cam is having a solid season,” he said.

“There’s a lot of individual players that have got better since myself and the coaching staff joined.

“Hayden has done nothing wrong, Cam Norman’s form has kept him out the team.

“Every member of my squad is a valuable member to me until I tell them otherwise.

“Every single one of them that might not be having the minutes now, we will need them.”

Meanwhile, the play-off positions are currently only three points away for the Saddlers, and Rory Holden is targeting a string of positive results to put them back in contention.

“We know it will be a tough game (against Oldham) but if we can implement our style of play early on, be tough to beat and be solid, we know we can create chances so hopefully we get a good result.

“If you go on a run of four or five wins in a row, you can be right up there in the play-offs. We had a lot of draws at the start of the season, but now we’re turning them into wins so if we can keep that going, we’ll be fine.”