Dean Keates: Walsall could have won all four

The Saddlers have won three and drawn one of their opening four matches, the latest being a 3-1 triumph at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

But so good have his side been that Keates feels they could be sitting pretty with maximum points.

“If you’d have offered us 10 points before the four games, looking back, we’d have taken it,” said Keates. “But we’re disappointed we haven’t got 12 and that is credit to the players.

“They are putting in a right shift and I think the fans can see that.

“They can see we have got a team that is playing for the football club and playing for the badge.”

Andy Cook rounded off Walsall’s triumph at Kingsmeadow when Toby Sibbick’s clearance ricocheted off the striker and into the net.

It was the former Tranmere striker’s first goal since the opening day – and just what he needed according to Keates.

“It’s the ultimate off your backside,” said the boss. “But I think he needed that.

“He has had opportunities. Players have made blocks, keepers have made saves. He headed against the bar against Scunthorpe.

“That goal will do him the world of good.

“The defender has gone to clear his lines, it’s hit Cookie and gone into the net.

“But we’ll take it.”

Cook’s was the second fortunate Saddlers strike of the night, after Will Nightingale’s comedy own goal – but there was nothing lucky about Kieron Morris’s 20-yard thunderbolt that opened the scoring.

Morris was again deputising for the injured Zeli Ismail, who may now find it more difficult to get back in the team.

Keates said: “There is a great togetherness in that dressing room. They have got each others’ backs.

“Zeli has been outstanding, but he is picked up a little niggle and Kieron has took the opportunity.

“Now Zeli has to get fit and earn his chance.”