Youth Team Boss praises players approach to ugly side of the game…
Academy Manager, Graham Biggs, was full of praise for his side’s showing after a scrappy goalless draw with table-toppers Blackpool.On a heavy pitch in the North West, the young Saddlers calved out the better of the chances in what was a committed and competitive encounter.
“I thought it was an excellent team performance,” said the 53-year old. “We were disciplined, hard working and we had to put in a real graft against a very good side.
“I’m really pleased with the clean sheet. We’ve conceded a few over the last couple of games and Blackpool have managed to score 21 in last 5 so to keep them at bay was a real plus point.
“The pitch wasn’t the best, and it probably worked against us more than it did them. That turned it into more of a scrap than a footballing spectacle but I was pleased with how we fought and stuck together.
"We had the best chances to win the game and missed a penalty which was the big chance but a draw is probably a fair result. I don’t think either side deserved to lose the game."
Biggs was keen to highlight the contribution of Ashley Maddocks, who having recovered from a hand injury, turned in a performance of the highest quality as a makeshift right back.
“He actually broke his hand in a reserve game at Halesowen a few weeks ago now but his attitude around the place and to training has been magnificent,” added Biggs. “He’s got his head down, worked hard and for him to come back into the starting 11 in an unfamiliar role and perform as he did was outstanding.
“We’re having to manage his injury but he was tremendous along with the rest of the back four which is really pleasing.
"Make no mistake we want to win the league and the lads want to.
"It would be great for the boys, for me as their coach and for the club as a whole. We know it’s going to be tight, there’s some good teams in the division and I think we showed how much quality there is at the weekend.
"We beat Blackpool at home and took a point from them at the weekend so we’re pleased over the two games.
"We’ve now got the weekend off but then it’s two tough games against Rochdale and Burnley so we’ll prepare for them as best as we can to make sure we get a positive result.