Striker pleased to go top...
Top-scorer Tom Bradshaw believes Walsall made 'a statement' by beating Burton 2-0 to go top of League One.Liam Kinsella fired the Saddlers in front, before Bradshaw wrapped up a deserved victory with a last-minute penalty - his ninth goal of an impressive individual campaign.
The result saw Walsall leapfrog the Brewers on goal difference – and the in-form striker says there is “no reason” why we can’t stay near the summit.
“It’s always good to be top of the league,” said Bradshaw, who has now scored in three consecutive home matches.
“To get 25 points after 12 games is some achievement.
“All the lads are just as hungry now as they were before the first game of the season and hopefully we can keep the momentum going and keep picking up results.
“Burton made it hard for us at times and it was a gritty game. We weren’t necessarily winning these games last year but the lads showed great spirit and to get another clean sheet was pleasing.
“We believe we can be up there this season and we’ve proven that we can more than match some very good teams. Burton had only lost two games but we were definitely the better side.
“To win 2-0 was quite a statement and I see no reason why we can’t be up there with the squad we’ve got.”
Manager Dean Smith has masterminded the Club’s best start to a third-tier campaign in 15 years.
And Bradshaw, who was signed by Smith in June 2014, has paid tribute to the boss.
“He’s key,” said Bradshaw.
“The philosophy and the way we play is all down to him; every player and staff member has bought into the way he wants us to play.
“I admire the gaffer. He has done wonders for myself; I came here with a bit-part career and, in a way, he’s made me into the player I am today.
“His man-management is one of his biggest strengths and he is great with all the lads on a day-to-day basis.
“I couldn’t criticise him one bit for the way he goes about his job. He’s got the respect of all the players and everyone at the club.”