Walsall wing-back Tom Knowles has highlighted the team’s togetherness as a crucial quality that has helped spark a good run of results in December.
The Saddlers are set to round off 2023 against second place Wrexham at the Poundland Bescot Stadium and spirits are high within the camp ahead of the contest.
Mat Sadler’s side picked up an impressive 2-0 victory over promotion contenders Crewe Alexandra last time out and Knowles feels the team is being rewarded for their hard work and unity.
That coupled with the fantastic backing from Saddlers fans is something Knowles believes is driving positive momentum.
“Our togetherness is one of the main things keeping this run going,” Knowles said.
“Performances will be here and there so when someone is having an off day, the rest of the team get round them, pick each other up and we carry each other through.
“Hopefully that relates to the fans and they pick us up and pull that ball in the goal. We want to reward them with our hard work, dedication, and our togetherness so hopefully that relays in to the stands.
“In this league, anyone can beat anyone. We’ve been on a good run ourselves so we’ll be going in to this game full of confidence.
“Hopefully we can give our home fans something to cheer about and keep this period going.”
Since the team reverted back to a 3-5-2 system, Knowles has found himself back at right wing-back.
The 25-year-old admitted he is still working to perfect his performances in that role but is putting the hard work in to improve.
“It’s learning the balance of doing the defensive work as well as the attacking work,” he explained.
“For me, it’s finding that balance and making sure one half doesn’t suffer, which is something I’m working towards.
“End product and creating chances is what I pride myself on and I’ve been frustrated with how I’ve been doing in attack but I feel like my defensive work has been good and I’d like to think I’m getting better so I’ve got to keep working on that, the final pass, the final cross and then hopefully I’ll flourish.”
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Head Coach Mat Sadler also discussed tomorrow’s match against Wrexham.
Click here to read his thoughts on that game and also a word on the defensive unit after their performance on Boxing Day.