'Defender's worst nightmare' Charlie Lakin backs Walsall strike force to flourish

Pressley, signed from Stevenage earlier in the summer, netted three times during pre-season, including the Saddlers' second in a 3-0 win over Forest Green Rovers on Saturday. 

Bournemouth loanee Stuttle scored the opener in Gloucestershire to head into the new season with two goals in the space of four days. 

Stuttle and Pressley 'hit the ground running' for Walsall

"They've both come in and hit the ground running. They have different styles - Aaron is a target man, who wins pretty much every header," Lakin said. 

"So he's going to be a defender's worst nightmare this season. Then you've got Jonny who is an absolute pest and you'd hate to play against him. 

"That's what the gaffer has bought in and he knows what he wants. Fair play to the lads, they've taken everything on board and applied that." 

Lakin completed the scoring at the New Lawn to take his own pre-season tally to three with a stunning strike into the top corner from 25 yards out. 

The 26-year-old netted four times in all competitions during his debut season at Bescot, as Walsall missed out on promotion in the League Two play-off final last term. 

New season is a 'clean slate' 

The collective focus is very much on achieving promotion this season, but Lakin is also aiming to remain among the goals in the wake of his recent form.

"I just want to help the team out as much as I can. Play as many games as I can and put some more balls in the back of the net this season," he added.

"As tough as it was with the way it finished, it's a new season and a new slate. 

"The gaffer has drilled that into us and we can't dwell on what we did last season. We've got to hit the ground running again and go one better."