Walsall have headed north, as they prepare to take on Hartlepool tomorrow. It will be another crunch match as they attempt to dig them out of their losing streak.
They have lost now five consecutive matches, but boss Chris Hutchings has promised fans that they are going ‘to break the doors down’ of Hartlepool, who are not in much better shape than the Saddlers themselves
Hartlepool have gained just 6 points this season in league one, the same as the Saddlers with 1 win, 3 draws and 3 losses. They narrowly escaped relegation from league one last season and faced a close season in disarray after their manager walked out.
On the back of a rally of defeats, the mantra of ‘it is only a matter of time until we get a breakthrough’ won’t be far from a Saddler fans lips, referring to the fact that the Saddlers are playing some good football but unlucky to not score more goals. That worked wonders three defeats ago, but now the fans just want a breakthrough.
Chris Hutchings told the Express and Star: “We are frustrated. In terms of the football it`s not falling for us or going for us. It is annoying, frustrating – all of those words – but we`ve got to keep knocking on that door because sooner or later we`re going to burst through it.’
“We`ve got to keep the belief and work hard, I see no reason why we can`t go there and win.” He added.
Saddlers will be without Darren Byfield, who limped out of Saturday’s defeat against Swindon, Steve Jones (Ankle) and Richard Taundry (Knee.) However, David Davis has recovered in time from a shin injury he picked up against Swindon.
Oliver Lancashire may come in for Clayton McDonald in central defence and Reuben Reid is likely to start up front alongside Macken, in place of the injured Byfield.
So, Saddler prayers will hopefully be heard and the Saddlers will pounce early on and seal the deal. All we can do is keep the faith and the win will be sweeter.
Probable lineup: Brain, Lescott, Smith, McDonald, McGivern, Gray, Richards, Marshall, Davis, Reid, Macken
Vital Prediction: 2-1 Saddlers!
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