Jack Fitzwater wants more clean sheets at Walsall
Defender Jack Fitzwater has challenged Walsall to pick up more clean sheets as they look to build on their impressive start to the season.
The Saddlers host Accrington Stanley at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow sitting fifth in the League One table.
But while Dean Keates’ side have defied expectations, they have picked up a habit of conceding late goals and have kept just one clean sheet so far this term.
And Fitzwater knows tightening up at the back will ensure the Saddlers build on their impressive momentum.
“We want more clean sheets,” the 21-year-old said. “I do think they will come because everyone is fighting for the shirt – I think the fans can see that.
“But we do need to cut out these late goals because at the minute it seems to keep happening and keep happening.
“The gaffer has got this thing where he tells us: ‘If someone makes a mistake – you be the person to get them out of it’.
“If someone makes a mistake you’ve got to get him out it.
“We are all close and we are all in it together. We just need to keep a few more clean sheets.
“It will come, it’s just going to take a little bit of time.”
Walsall secured a 2-1 win at Oxford at last weekend. But they were beaten 4-1 by Doncaster in their last outing on home turf.
And Fitzwater admits the players are determined to give the Banks’s crowd another victory tomorrow.
“The performance at Oxford was the perfect response to the Doncaster loss,” the Albion loanee continued.
“We knew we had to get a reaction. I don’t think it was for a lack of trying against Doncaster, it just wasn’t our day.
“But now we have to react again because the last time we were at home we lost 4-1.
“It’s going to be a difficult game but we’re going out to get all three points.
“We want the fans with us right from the first minute.
“At Oxford they came in their numbers and supported us really well, they have been fantastic.
“We’ll be giving everything we can to get them another victory tomorrow.”
Fitzwater is in his second loan stint with the Saddlers after initially joining on a temporary basis from Albion last season.
And he is thoroughly enjoying his time with the club.
“It’s good, it’s a great bunch of lads here,” he added.
“I’m a young lad and there are quite a few others.
“It’s a close knit bunch on and off the pitch. I’m really enjoying it and hopefully I can stay in the team for as long as possible.”
