Jon Whitney wants Walsall to adapt style

The Saddlers travel to take on Mike Flynn's side in the first round of the FA Cup with the game kicking off at 5.15pm so it can be viewed on Welsh television channel S4C.

Whitney's side have so far endured an inconsistent campaign that has often seen them play more direct if they are struggling to break down their opposition.

That change in style has frustrated some supporters who have been used to the Saddlers playing a passing game over the past five years.

And after falling to defeat against Southend last weekend, Whitney believes his team needs to start performing better on the ball.

"We acknowledge that we need to improve our quality on the ball," the boss said.

"That ties into our philosophy as a club, it's important we are aware what we are about and what want to be as a group.

"What we have been doing over the past week – when we have been having individual chats and as a group to move forward – is acknowledging we have to keep the ball better.

"If we do that then we can stop the opposition being as much of a threat. That is what we have been working on in training.

"We are looking forward to starting that against Newport."

Over the course of the campaign, Walsall have tended to perform better in the second half of games than the first.

And Whitney said starting matches on the front foot is also something they are working on.

"The first 15/20 minutes are always difficult in games because you are weighing each other up," he continued.

"But I think the energy you can show in that first 15/20 minutes is something we can push.

"Collectively we have agreed that we have to be a team that is on the front. We are not a team that can sit back and soak up pressure.

We need to start games well. It’s always hard, like against Southend, when you have to come from a goal behind. Teams stop you from getting momentum and any kind of energy.

"We have got to make sure we get the first punch in."