Striker scored in Gills success...
Striker Jordy Hiwula wants Walsall to build on their impressive victory over promotion-rivals Gillingham when they face Southend this weekend.The Huddersfield loanee scored the Saddlers’ second goal in a 2-1 triumph against the Gills, finishing low past Stuart Nelson after latching onto Romaine Sawyers’ excellent through ball.
Milan Lalkovic’s curler had earlier put Walsall ahead and although Gillingham pulled one back through Luke Norris – who missed a first-half penalty – we held on for a deserved win.
The result lifted Jon Whitney’s side back up to third in League – five points behind second-placed Burton but with a game in hand.
And Hiwula is hoping Walsall can now kick on from the Gillingham success and continue to put pressure on the top two.
“It was a big performance from the lads at Gillingham,” said Hiwula. “We knew we had to go there and get all three points and I thought the lads put in a good shift.
“We created a lot of chances and it was just a matter of time until we scored. We got the two goals but it could have been three or four.
“We’ve got to build on that and take that into Saturday now. They’re going to be two big games – must win games – but we’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and keep winning our games.
“Hopefully Burton will slip up and we’ll take that opportunity.”
With top scorer Tom Bradshaw ruled out through injury, Hiwula was named up front in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The 21-year-old impressed leading the line - grabbing his second Saddlers goal since signing on loan - and the ex-Man City man was pleased with how he performed.
“It was difficult playing against a back three for around 80 minutes but I felt I played well and it was nice to get a goal," he added.
“I was told to keep the back three as far back as possible and to occupy the backline.
“For my goal, Romaine played me in and I knew if I had a good first touch, I’d be able to find the back of the net. Hopefully there’s more to come.”