Boss Dean Smith relieved by Walsall FC win
Relieved Walsall manager Dean Smith today hailed the Saddlers' "big win" after they ended their 17-game search for victory.
Febian Brandy's strike clinched a 1-0 victory over Colchester on Saturday and the Saddlers' first three- point haul since September.
It was their first win in 17 games – 14 in League One – and moved them up to 17th, five points above the bottom four.
And, ahead of Boxing Day's trip to Milton Keynes Dons, Smith admitted victory was vital after a raft of postponements handed the Saddlers the advantage over their drop rivals.
He said: "It was a big win for us. We've been playing well and putting in decent performances in the last few weeks but we just hadn't got across the line.
"This time, we did and it's one defeat in six now. Every game is tough in this league but we gave ourselves an opportunity, with not so many having games, to get the win and climb the table a bit.
"We have got a really busy period coming up now. The fans kept with us, they have seen the performances and were disappointed we didn't win last week but we certainly got one this time."
Florent Cuvelier also returned after a hamstring injury but Will Grigg limped off with a calf problem and will be assessed before Wednesday.
Smith added: "Flo got out for the last 15 minutes which was pleasing for all of us. It's a softly, softly approach, at the moment."
