Jordan Cook desperate to improve home form

Games against two sides pressed against the Saddlers in the crush which passes for the middle of League One these days represents a superb chance for Dean Smith's men to break out of the confusion and make strides towards the top six.

But first they will need to end a run of five games without a win in front of their own supporters in all competitions, which includes the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Final second leg with Preston.

Smith's team have become one big head-scratcher, superb on the road but infuriatingly out-of-sorts on their own patch.

"We were speaking about it before the game on Saturday," reveals forward Jordan Cook. "Our away form has been a lot better than our home form.

"That is not something we would choose but it is just how it is at the moment.

"As long as we perform well, I think it will turn. Some of the home performances have been brilliant but we have not got the right result.

"It just seems to be a habit where we are coming away from home against good teams and are doing a lot better."

Much of the focus has fallen on the recent run, in which the Saddlers have conceded 11 goals in their last four home league games.

But in reality they have been inconsistent for the past season and a half, winning just four of the 14 home league games to date this term, following on from a 2013/14 campaign when they won just seven at home and scored a record low goal total.

Cook insists the record is not playing on the minds of those in the dressing room but believes the reason for the home troubles might be down to a question of style.

"Maybe there is pressure but I don't think the lads think about it too much," he said. "The lads go out and try to play the same game, home or away.

"On the road I think it works to our advantage as teams come to press us a whole lot more and it plays into our hands, as we are basically a counter-attacking team.

"At home teams sit in a lot more and we can't really attack with the pace we want to.

"I think it is down to us trying to break down different teams with the way we play.

"It is just one of those things but if we keep plugging away, things will turn round."

There should be no question of the Saddlers not being aware of the threat posed by Rochdale after they were thumped 4-0 at Spotland earlier this season.

That result was rectified by a 1-0 win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy three weeks later and Cook is keen to win the rubber match to further fuel hopes of a play-off charge.

"I was lucky enough not to be involved in the 4-0 but I was involved in the 1-0 in the JPT," he said. "They are a very good team, a good passing side a bit like us.

"There are so many games left and we back ourselves against any team whether it is home or away. We never play for a draw, we always go out to win.

"We just want to put a good run together and I am sure we will be there or thereabouts."