Walsall's James Baxendale: Play-off dream still alive

The Saddlers made it two wins in a week as they backed up last Tuesday's 2-0 win at Bradford with a 1-0 victory over the Shrews on Saturday.

"It's always been there to play for and we have never given in," said Baxendale. "We can just keep doing what we are doing. It's five unbeaten which is good form and is what you need at this stage of the season."

We are already looking to next week now, coming off the back of a win.

"Next week we will aim to give the performance and get the three points but we are going in with momentum, which seems to be the in word at the minute.

"If we can keep this momentum up then there is every chance."

Baxendale impressed against the Shrews in what was his first start since New Year's Day. Saddlers boss Dean Smith revealed last week the 21-year-old had been hampered with a niggling injury and Baxendale now admits with hindsight he should have taken time out sooner to get the problem sorted.

"It was just around my groin area," he said. "It was tight and playing me up a bit, making it hard for me to twist and turn and perform like I was like.

"But it is no excuse, I was out there on the pitch and once you cross that white line you are fit and I'm not using anything as an excuse.

"Should I have stepped back? Yes, probably for myself.

"I want to play every game and when you get to this stage of football you want to be out there on a Saturday and you are itching to get out there.

"But for my own performance and the team I should have stepped back and told the staff, who would have looked after me."