Walsall Head Coach Matt Taylor is looking to see a reaction from his team when they take on Harrogate Town tomorrow afternoon.
The Saddlers fell to a 2-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday night as their eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end.
Taylor is looking forward to returning to league action at the Banks’s Stadium for the first time since October 23rd and is hoping to see a strong performance.
“What I hope you’ll see on Saturday is a reaction,” he said.
“It’s the first time as a group we’ve had that losing feeling for a while and it’s one I’ve asked the players to take in to make sure it motivates them for the performance they need to deliver against Harrogate.
“It’s a home game and it feels like a while since we’ve had a home game in the league.
“I’m excited to see our fans and I’m hopeful, as per usual they will turn out and support us and the players are really looking forward to receiving their backing on Saturday.”
Taylor is expecting another difficult match against seventh place Harrogate.
He insists the Saddlers must earn the right to play tomorrow afternoon if they are to pick up a positive result against a Harrogate side he has been impressed with.
“They’re a group that have been together for a period of time, they have a very clear identity and I like what they do,” he commented.
“They’re a high-energy team, they will definitely press us and not give us a moments rest. What we need to do if that is the case is be braver on the ball. We need to receive it in tight spaces, we need to move it quickly – quicker than we did on Wednesday night.
“I’m expecting a game that’s going to be extremely difficult, I know we say that a lot but let’s put it into context, they’ve had an extremely good start to the season, they’re three points ahead of us in the league and they’re in a position we want to occupy so that tells you how difficult the game is going to be.
“What we have to do is approach it in the correct manner. The players trained well yesterday and they’ve trained well today.
"It’s a game that I’m really looking forward to, the pressure is always on when we play at home and I expect the fans to make the players feel that but no doubt the fans will give the players support as they always do.
“It’s a difficult game but if we do the ugly side and earn the right to play, and that’s the hard work and the bits that everybody doesn’t see, if we do that, we’ve got an opportunity of winning the game.”
Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s game and season ticket holders can bring a friend for just £5!
Call the Ticket Office on 01922 651 416 to take advantage!