Defender on shut-out at O's and Capital One Cup clash...
SADDLERS' defender, Paul Downing, says that we will take the belief and confidence from Saturday's draw at Leyton Orient into tonight's Capital One Cup second round clash with Premier League, Crystal Palace (kick-off 7.45pm).
The club vice-captain put in a solid display during Saturday’s stalemate with The O's, a side he’s predicting will be challenging at the summit once again.
“I expect them to be up there come the end of the year so it was a good point for us,” he commented. “That said we created some decent chances ourselves and kept it solid at the back so we’re happy with a clean sheet.”
New signing Anthony Forde came closest for The Saddlers, dispossessing Orient 'keeper, Adam Legzdins, before back-heeling wide of the post early in the second half.
Richard O’Donnell had to palm a fierce Dean Cox shot around the post whilst Keiron Morris couldn’t repeat his League Cup heroics, firing wide late on after coming off the bench.
“I’m sure the chances will start to go in,” he added. “It’s about staying patient and keep believing and also keeping a good shape.
“We’ve got the players and quality here to do well this season.
“The young lads that we’ve got here are progressing and doing well and it bodes well for the club that we’ve also got so many youngsters coming through.”
All the attention now turns to the visit of Crystal Palace in the second round of the Capital One Cup, a game that Downing is looking forward to.
“We will take the belief and confidence from our last game into tonight's tie,” he added. “There’s no pressure on us; we’ll enjoy it and see what happens.
“We’re expecting a tough game against a Premier League side but at the same time we’re looking forward to it.
“Hopefully we’ll get a lot of vocal support with our fans right behind us as they were on Saturday. “
Admission for all areas of the stadium is £12 (adults) and £6 (concessions), although please note that the Tile Choice Middle and Upper Tiers will be closed this evening.
If you are unable to make it along to the game, fear not as Saddlers Player will have live, full match commentary and there will be a Live Blog on Saddlers Wall.