Colchester United v Walsall: Lee Grant's demand for next step as boss gives Walsall squad update

Boss Lee Grant has encouraged his Walsall players to deliver their best for longer periods in games to build a winning run.

The sixth-placed Saddlers head to struggling lowly Colchester United in League Two tomorrow looking to respond from a first league defeat of the season in Monday’s reverse against Salford.

Walsall have started the campaign and life under new boss Grant in positive mood and are in touching distance to the top three, despite seven draws from 12 already this term, the division’s joint-most.

The last five away matches, all in the league, have ended as draws and the head coach has revealed the instructions given to his squad to string together a run of positive results - having not won back-to-back fixtures since the first two games of the season, at Bristol City and Gillingham.

“We’ve shown really positive signs at various points along the way,” Grant said.

“We’re 12 (league) games in, we’ve shown plenty of character, good moments of execution, solid base with clean sheets and being tough to be beaten.

“We’ve found these things but I want to see this group take a step towards strong performances for longer periods in games more often.

“That, I think, is the key for us to be able to go to put three wins together back-to-back, and really maximise our opportunities.

“That’s what I’m looking. I know every manager is looking for the same, so we’re no different, but I think we’ve got an opportunity to really go after that because of the strong foundations that have been put in place.

“I.e. we’re going to be in every game, we can run with every opposition we’re going up against, we can find opportunities to play through most teams - Salford included - so let’s go to try to put that together over a period of a month, why not?”

Danny Cowley’s Colchester have endured a rotten run of form since winning twice in a three-match unbeaten run to start the league season.

The U’s have since gone 11 games in all competitions - nine in the league - without victory and have slid to 21st, with only goal difference separating them from second-bottom.

Asked of the hosts, Grant said: “It’s the old adage around does it help or us hinder us?

“Is it a side now so focus and honed in that they want and need a result and will do everything they can? I’m absolutely certain their manager will have them in that space, around being backs to the wall for an important result.

“Their players will do everything they can to turn the tide for them. They will not be happy with their current run of form, there’s no hiding or getting away from that.

“But there was enough I saw when I went to watch them against Northampton (2-0 defeat) last week that tells me they have an opportunity and personnel to cause teams issues.”

Walsall are boosted by the return of right-back Elicha Ahui from a one-match suspension that coincided with the first league defeat against Salford.

There is no concern around Courtney Clarke’s fitness after a knock on Monday night.

“Elicha will be back and in terms of availability, we’re in a very good place,” Grant added.

“Monday we came away with everybody unscathed. Courtney (Clarke) is fine.”