Walsall Football Club

The Saddlers fell to a first defeat in six matches at the Macron Stadium on Saturday, going down 4-1 despite taking the lead through Erhun Oztumer’s spectacular fourth-minute strike. 

Whitney’s men are just five points outside the play-offs heading into tonight’s match at Glanford Park – and the boss says his side are desperate to get back on track. 

“We have now got the chance to start another unbeaten run,” Whitney commented. 

“There was nothing in the Bolton game. Individually we could have defended better – but that is where we will improve. 

"Bolton had a bit of fortune for the goals. We didn’t get our luck but maybe we can cash that in at Scunthorpe. 

“We didn’t come out on top at Bolton but there were positives going into Scunthorpe and now we are determined to bounce back.” 

The Saddlers were also beaten by a 4-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture against Scunthorpe back in September – and Whitney is determined to avoid a repeat.

“It’s important we remember that game and how they played,” he said. “They put us under pressure early and played at a high tempo. 

“That defeat hurt and we need to make sure we don’t allow them to have that same freedom again.” 

Graham Alexander’s side are second in League One but saw their 26-match unbeaten home run ended by lowly Shrewsbury at the weekend. 

Whitney, though, is aware of their threats. 

“They are very organised and every player knows their responsibilities,” he added. “They do the basics really well and the wide players are a threat. 

“Josh Morris scores goals, Duane Holmes is dangerous and they have got four or five strikers to pick from as well. 

“It’s going to be tough. I watched them against Shrewsbury and they try to press and play with a high energy. First and foremost we have to match that. 

“But if we take the tempo we showed in the second half at Bolton, then we will be a threat for them. 

“We need to take away those individual mistakes, but everyone is determined to make this the start of another unbeaten run.”