Leahy eager to give Walsall's fans the derby bragging rights

The Saddlers host West Midlands rivals Shrewsbury this evening having failed to win in each of their last four outings at the Banks's Stadium.

That run has put a dampener on what otherwise has been an impressive start to the season for Dean Keates' side – with Walsall currently sat seventh in the League One table.

Leahy though admits their recent form at home has not been good enough.

"When you realise it is four home games without a win, that’s really bad form to be honest," the defender said.

"That needs to be better because we’ve tried to make the Banks's as tough as possible to come to.

"But the best way to move on from that is by beating that lot!

"I'm looking forward to it and I'll be making sure all the players turn up and give 100 per cent."

While Walsall have started the season well, Shrewsbury enter the game having won just one of their 10 league matches so far.

That has left John Askey's side sitting 19th in the table. But Leahy feels form goes out the window in derbies.

"It's all about who turns up and battles the most," he continued.

"In derby games, form goes out the window.

"We just need to make sure we are on it right from the start.

"We've let in a few goals from our own mistakes recently.

"But we can't do that again, we have to make sure it is our fans that our cheering at the end."

Meanwhile, manager Dean Keates said it's important youngster Tobias Hayles-Docherty experiences men's football after he completed a loan move to Halesowen.

The talented winger, who made his Saddlers debut against Port Vale in 2017, has joined the Southern League Central side for an initial month.

"Tobias has joined Halesowen," Keates said.

"It’s a good opportunity for him to go out and play some men’s football in a competitive league.

"It's for an initial month then we'll look at it after that."