Cook positive as to what the future holds in store...
SADDLERS' front-man, Jordan Cook, insists the side are finally finding their form following back-to-back League wins.A hard-earned 1-0 home victory over Chesterfield was followed up by an impressive 2-1 away win against high-flying Notts County and Cook is relishing playing his part in a winning side.
“It’s brilliant to be back out there and playing games,” he said. “I thought we put in a great performance against Chesterfield and then to go to Notts County and knock them off the run they were on and play in the manner that we did, it was a great feeling.”
After an inconsistent start to the season, which was marred by what was a seemingly never-ending injury-list, Dean Smith’s men are looking to string together a run of results and propel them away from what many feel is a false League position.
“I think everything is slowly clicking into place for us now,” insisted the 24 year-old. “It’s always been there but perhaps we struggled to score goals at key moments in games.
“We were creating chances so we were never too far away, it’s just that recently we’ve taken those chances and got over the line.
“Looking back towards the end of the County game, the way we defended and kept our shape was phenomenal. I think it’s a credit to the lads who came off the bench.
“We’ve now got at least two players who are competing for every competition, and they’re good players at that.”
Any League One aspirations, however, will be put on hold this weekend as The Saddlers host League Two side, Shrewsbury Town, in The FA Cup.
The two sides met at the same stage of the competition last year and will renew their rivalry in front of an expectant home support, though Cook has warned his team-mates not to take our opponents lightly.
“When it comes to The FA Cup everybody knows there are a handful of upsets every year, especially when sides are playing a team from a higher league,” he commented. “It certainly gives the underdogs a boost.
“I think everyone saw against Chelsea that they can really play. We know they’re a good team, a well-organised side and make no mistake it’s going to be a tough test for us.
“The next round sees some of the bigger sides join the competition so that’s an incentive for us to go out and get a result.
“Hopefully, if we can get past Shrewsbury, which I’m confident we can, then we get a good draw and look to progress into that third round when the bigger sides come to play.”
Cook has featured seven times since returning from a foot injury he sustained during pre-season and admits he hasn’t quite reached top gear just yet.
“I’m maybe only a couple of games away from being back properly and getting that sharpness back for the full 90 minutes,” he added. “Playing games is one of the main reasons I came here, I love the way we play football and so I just want to kick on now and fire us up the table.”
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