Adam Chambers: Walsall have to do better

That is the message from skipper Adam Chambers as Walsall prepare for three games that will determine whether or not they hold on to their League One status.

Saddlers sit on the brink of the bottom four and could fall into the relegation zone tonight if Oldham and Rochdale pick up results against Southend and Plymouth respectively.

In what has been a disappointing 10 days for Dean Keates’s side, Walsall let a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 against AFC Wimbledon.

They then put in a spirited and hard-working display at Scunthorpe only for a lapse in concentration to cost them dear in a 1-0 defeat.

But Chambers has vowed all the players will do everything they can to stay in English football’s third tier.

“We have to find more in every aspect of our game,” the 37-year-old said.

“We have three games left and we have to find more in everything we do, in every area.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to dust ourselves down and really keep pushing in these last few games.

“It’s in our hands. We have to make sure we do the most we can to win these matches and get the points we need.

“There is no room for excuses. What’s the point in making in excuses?”

Walsall face what looks to be a make-or-break clash against Northampton on Saturday before then taking on Bradford and Fleetwood in their last two games.

And Chambers is hoping Saddlers fans can help the team pick up what would be a crucial three points against the Cobblers.

“Scunthorpe was really frustrating – we put a lot of effort into the game but we switched off for one moment and they capitalised,” he said.

“They are in the play-offs but we matched them.

“It just shows, you have to concentrate for 90 minutes.

“We have three big games left now and we need to make sure we are solid in every one.

“Northampton was always going to be a big game and it is massive.

“But we are at home, we’ve not done too bad at home. And we need the fans to get behind us.

“Hopefully they will help us grab the initiative and really take the game to Northampton and get a positive result.

“Whatever has gone on is in the past we need to put it behind us now.

“We need their help so the team can get over the line.”

Despite the team’s struggles this season, Chambers insists the team has always given 100 per cent.

“You can’t fault the effort from the lads – we work really hard in games, we always do,” he added.

“But at times a lack of concentration has cost us in games.

“We have to take these three games as they come and really push to get positive results.”