Central defender helping to provide a solid base...
DESPITE failing to pick up three points, central defender, Paul Downing, has taken the positives out of Saturday's goalless draw with Colchester United."We wanted to win, of course," he said. "But sometimes things don't always go the way that you want them to. It wasn't to be in terms of getting that elusive goal, but we kept a third clean sheet of the season.
"We worked hard to keep the ball out of our net and it gave us a solid base on which to work from. I felt that we made it difficult for Colchester to create chances and, as I say, to have kept three clean sheets already this season is a good record.
"As long as we can keep doing that, I'm sure the wins will follow.
"We had a few chances to have won the game; we would have liked to have created a few more, but they made it difficult for us in the way that they set-up."
The Saddlers fielded a youthful line-up, which included six Academy products in the matchday squad and also saw Reece Flanagan make his first senior start in midfield.
"The young lads have been doing really well on the training pitch and deserve their chance," added Downing who, at 22 years of age could almost be classed as a 'veteran'. "Due to the injury situation, they have been able to showcase what they can do and it really does bode well for the future.
"Producing our own players is the way that the club wants to go and it's working well for us."
The next challenge comes in the form of Preston North End, who visit Banks's Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3.00pm). They reached the play-offs last term and are yet to taste defeat in their opening five League games so far.
"Preston will be up there again this season," insisted Downing. "They have a big budget and players who have played at a higher level.
"If will be difficult for us, but we are certainly ready for the challenge. We'll have a good week on the training ground and be well-prepared for them."