Matt Taylor honestly assesses Walsall’s clash with Scunthorpe | OneFootball

Walsall manager Matt Taylor has admitted the importance of this evening’s clash against Scunthorpe United, as the Saddlers drift nearer to the relegation zone.

The West Midlands outfit have lost their last six games in League Two, with their lack of prolificacy in front of goal clearly playing a role. With only one goal in their last five games, the Saddlers’ ineptitude in the final third is clearly letting them down, as they continue to fall down the table, now sitting in 21st place.

Speaking to the Express and Star, the Walsall manager Taylor expressed his concern about his side’s quality in front of goal.

“I know we’ll do everything we possibly can. But to win the next game, we’ve got to have more at the top of the pitch,” stated the former West Ham star. “I want to win the game, and the players will want to win the game as well.”

However, Walsall will be hoping that tonight’s game may change their misfortune, as they head to The Sands Venue Stadium in Lincolnshire to face bottom of the table Scunthorpe United. The Iron are the only side in worse form than the Saddlers, losing every game since Boxing Day when they defeated Oldham Athletic 3-1 – one of their only three wins this season.

When asked about his side’s recent run of form, the Walsall manager plainly admitted that this game is hugely significant to the club and their fight to stay in the football league at the end of this season.

“It’s the reality of the situation we’re in. We’ve got to win the next game,” the manager admitted. “The performance, you’ve got to do whatever it takes and find a way to win the next game of football.

“That’s the most important thing for me, and for the group of players.”

The Verdict

While Walsall have struggled in recent games, tonight could certainly give them an opportunity to return to winning ways and escape the very real threat of relegation.

However, Scunthorpe United will not give up without a fight, sitting eight points away from safety, and will need to stay determined and dedicated in order to escape the bottom two.

The result of tonight’s game could quite easily foretell the outcome of the final league table, despite the number of remaining games of the season, as it will represent not just quality, but the willpower and fortitude of either side.