Team News From The Walsall Camp

Last updated : 26 September 2008 By Thetashkentterror

Dwayne Mattis
Saddlers midfielder Dwayne Mattis spoke to the official Walsall website about his side's game at home to Carlisle tomorrow, Mattis hoping that there is a big attendance at the Banks's Stadium :


"It's going to be a tough test. But we go into every game looking to win and in a positive frame of mind. Carlisle are a strong side at this level and it will be a decent test to see how good we are. We have a talented group of players here and have no reason to fear anyone.

"With 13 points on the board so far, we would have taken this start back in August, but there is no way that we will be resting on our laurels. On behalf of the players, I call upon the supporters of Walsall to turn up in large numbers on Saturday and create a special atmosphere."



Meanwhile Saddlers skipper Stephen Hughes commented to the Walsall Express and Star :

"Our home form has been a bit up and down, and we know we have to improve it and we are going to try our best to start on Saturday. It is all about consistency and the most consistent teams are always in the mix at the end of the season. It is still really early and Carlisle will be there or there abouts because they have a great team.

"We know how tough it will be, but it is not about how much we look at the table. Some people believe there is more pressure but I like playing in front of the home fans, there is a different type of pressure, but good pressure. We have had two great away games and we have nothing to fear."



In team news for the Saddlers defenders Rhys Weston and Netan Sansara both start three-match suspensions following their red cards at Brighton last weekend. Their likely replacements on either flank of the defensive line being former United man Paul Boertien and Chris Palmer.

The only other news being that experienced striker Michael Ricketts is fit again after missing the 1-0 win at the Withdean Stadium with a bruised foot, while Welsh under-21 international midfielder Mark Bradley is a doubt with a niggling ankle problem.


The referee for tomorrow's match is Mark Haywood from Leeds, and he will be assisted down the lines by Peter Bankes from Bootle in Merseyside and Kevin Johnson from Bristol. Meanwhile the fourth official is Rob Merchant from Stockton Brook in Staffordshire.