We welcome under achieving Doncaster to the Banks’s Stadium, hoping to get our second victory of the season….I don’t care how it comes, we need to start our season and fast!
Vital Quotes:
Dean Smith ‘I was pleased with the response of the lads at Gillingham. They worked really hard and the only thing missing was a finishing touch to win it.
‘But we’re full of confidence and determined to continue where we left off against Preston in our last home game.
‘We’ve got some tough opponents coming up here in the weeks ahead but we know, if we perform like we did against Preston, we will give ourselves every chance of being successful.’
Paul Dickov ‘I think you have to put player safety into consideration first and foremost. Nobody wants Nathan out on that pitch on Saturday more than me but the rules are there for a reason.
‘Any time I have been to the board and asked for something I have got it 99% of the time and that is a good relationship to have
‘They’re a very good footballing team and that will suit us. I think it will be a good game and I’m looking forward to it.
Walsall Team News:
Walsall are boosted with the news that leading goalscorer Tom Bradshaw and right back James Chambers are both fit and raring to go.
Jordan Cook, Ben Purkiss and Sam Mantom are still out. Will be back very soon.
Player to watch: Tom Bradshaw
Bradshaw has been the only bright spark in what has been a dismal start to the season.
Tom has scored 4 goals already this season and is just 3 goals away from scoring the most he has ever done in a season – and we are only in September!
Doncaster Team News:
Doncaster Rovers forward Nathan Tyson (concussion) remains sidelined.
Fellow striker Curtis Main is closing on a first-team return, but will not be available on Saturday
Player to watch: Kyle Bennett
The former Wolves midfielder has made a bright start in League 1 this term scoring 3 goals in the process.
Match Facts & Stats
No home side has won this fixture for 8 years. The last home side to win out of both sides was Doncaster in their 1-0 win at Belle Vue in 2006.
Doncaster won 3-0 here in 2012.
The last game between both sides saw Walsall victorious at The Keepmoat, thanks to goals from Andy Butler and Febian Brandy.
Walsall have won just 4 of the last 29 games.
Ref Watch:
Mr S Mathieson from Cheshire is the man in the middle.
Mathieson last officiated a Walsall game when we defeated Stevenage at home 1-0.
In the five games he has officiated this season, he has shown 6 yellow cards, 0 reds and given 0 penalties.
Match Prediction:
Given Walsall’s poor start and scoring very little it will be hard to beat Doncaster tomorrow. It is imperative that we start winning and SOON, so I will say a 1-0 Walsall win.
Next Fixtures:
04.10.14 – WALSALL v Bristol City
04.10.14 – Scunthorpe v DONCASTER
