Tom Bradshaw targets top six slot for Walsall

The Saddlers will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they kick-off 2015 against Steven Pressley's Coventry City at the Banks's Stadium next weekend.

Dean Smith's men ended the year on a high with a stunning 3-0 victory at MK Dons on Sunday, with Bradshaw bagging a brace, to move up to 12th in the table.

Bradshaw said: "It's the best way to end the year and I know it's a bit of a cliché but I've said in countless interviews that we believe can go anywhere and beat anyone in this league.

"We came to MK Dons – who were second in the league – and I believe the last two home games were 6-0 and 7-0. To beat them 3-0, I think that just shows what we've got in this squad.

"If we can produce that on a slightly more consistent basis there's no reason why we can't be pushing up towards the play-offs."

Bradshaw was also delighted with the team's passing performance against the Dons and stresses how it forms an important part of their footballing philosophy.

The former Shrewsbury man, who now has 14 for the season, was on hand to finish a well-worked slick passing move to score the Saddlers third on Sunday.

And Walsall's ability to retain possession at important periods during the game is also a testament to their impressive defensive record.

Despite finding the net just 21 times this season, the Saddlers have conceded just 17 with goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell keeping 10 clean sheets in the process.

"Give us a big pitch and a good surface and we'll do what we can to pass the ball," said Bradshaw.

"That's why we get frustrated occasionally when the results happen like Boxing Day did."

Walsall, who are now just three points off the play-offs, will have to prepare for a busy January schedule of six games in four weeks.

They also have a Johnstone's Paint Trophy date with Preston on the horizon with a first trip to Wembley a prize for the Saddlers.