We have scored 15 goals in the final ten minutes of matches...
Top-scorer Tom Bradshaw believes the Saddlers’ improved fitness levels have contributed to the team’s impressive form this season.Walsall have made a habit of scoring vital late goals - netting 15 times in the final ten minutes of matches (plus added time) in all competitions.
And Bradshaw, who scored a late equaliser in our last outing at Coventry, believes the team’s fitness has enabled us to finish matches strongly.
“One of our biggest strengths this season has been our fitness,” said Bradshaw.
“We’ve shown it a few times this season where it’s the 70th, 80th minute and we’re still kicking on and throwing men forward.
“We all came back very fit after the close season which meant we could push a lot harder in pre-season than we usually would.
“So we were always ahead of the game in pre-season which meant we could build a lot better general fitness than we had last year.
"It’s served us well so far.
“The facts don’t lie, 15 goals in the last ten minutes just proves that maybe that extra little bit of fitness has pushed us on from last season.”
Bradshaw believes maintaining concentration has also helped.
“Late on in games it’s a matter of keeping your concentration,” he added.
“When teams get tired and we get a bit tired, it’s about keeping your concentration, picking the right passes and being clinical late on in the game.”
WALSALL'S LATE GOALS - 80TH MINUTE ONWARDS
| Nott'm Forest A 4-3 | Bradshaw 90'
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| Brighton H 2-1 | Henry 86'
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| Doncaster H 2-0 | Bradshaw 85',90'
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| Burton H 2-0 | Bradshaw 90'
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| Chesterfield H 1-2 | Preston 90'
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| Colchester A 4-4 | O'Connor 90'
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| Gillingham H 3-2 | Demetriou 90'
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| Fleetwood H 2-0 | Forde 90'
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| Shrewsbury A 3-1 | Downing 80', Cook 90'
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| Port Vale H 2-0 | Cook 83'
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| Peterborough H 2-0 | Demetriou 80', Evans 89'
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| Coventry A 1-1 | Bradshaw 81'
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Fifteen of Walsall's 52 goals in all competitions have come in the final 10 minutes - an impressive 29%.
The Saddlers have also earned 10 points with goals after the 80th minute in League One this season.