Midfielder scored twice in a resounding win...
Sam Mantom was pleased to cap a “positive week” with a comprehensive victory against ten-man Chesterfield.The 24-year-old midfielder scored twice as the Saddlers came from behind to run out emphatic 4-1 winners in Jon Whitney’s first match as interim head coach.
Tom Anderson’s own goal and a Jordy Hiwula strike – his first since rejoining the club on loan - sealed a resounding success, our first in seven matches.
“We’ve had a really positive week and to end it like that was something we really wanted,” said Mantom, who has now scored eight goals this term.
“We got back to what we’ve been about all season. We attacked with purpose, got bodies in the box and got lots of shots at goal.
“We want to entertain the fans and it’s something we’re going to keep working on. With Whits and cuts in charge, we can only be positive about it.”
The Chesterfield win was the third time this season that Walsall have come from behind to emerge victorious - and Mantom was pleased to prove any doubters wrong.
“People have been saying we don’t come back from conceding first but it was nice to do that on Saturday and prove that we can,” he said.
“We were a bit unfortunate to go behind as we’d been on top for pretty much all the half. But we reacted in the right manner and went in level at half-time and turned it on in the second half.”
Walsall reverted to a 3-5-2 formation for the trip to the Proact Stadium - and Mantom revealed he and his teammates had been itching to play that system.
“Everyone had butterflies before the game to get back to it,” the former West Brom man added.
“We genuinely couldn’t remember the last time that had happened. We love playing that system, it gives us a lot of freedom and we create a lot more chances.
“In the last couple of games we’d been a little bit stuck and teams had seen us out. But today we were top drawer and I think it was a pleasure for the fans to watch.”
Mantom also reserved praise for the 823 Saddlers supporters for their backing on Saturday.
“It was similar to Shrewsbury when Whits was also in charge,” he said. “They came in their numbers then and the following was outstanding.
“It helps when you go three, then four up because they can enjoy it more and we can enjoy it more. We need them onside and I’m hopeful they can come in force again.”