George Dobson: Walsall must get better everywhere

The 21-year-old was part of the team that put in a dreadful display in a 3-1 loss to Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day.

Tomorrow they will bid to regain some pride when they take on a Luton outfit who have won 10 of their last 11 matches.

But Dobson says Walsall have to improve all over the park if they ever want to emulate the Hatters and compete at the top of the table.

“We need to be stronger mentally,” the midfielder declared. “Against Bristol Rovers we have conceded two goals in the first 10 minutes.

“But conceding early goals has been a theme throughout the season. It’s not good enough.

“We don’t start games well enough. We’re a team that makes life harder for ourselves.

“You never see us winning by two or three goals.

“We are always having to fight for a result.

“We have to manage games better, we have to be stronger mentally and we have to better on the ball.”

Dobson apologised to fans for the team’s performance on Boxing Day.

And with a trip to Charlton just days after the visit of Luton, he promised supporters performances will improve.

“The fans pay good money to watch us and displays like the one against Bristol Rovers aren’t worthy of their money,” Dobson continued.

“I can only apologise. You just cannot perform like that.

“Going into that game we set ourselves up with a good performance and a good point at Peterborough.

“But you have to kick on. We have now put ourselves in a position where we have to perform.

“And we will. Luton are the most form team in England. But we have to show a reaction. This is where we have to stand up and be counted and get some results.

“We have got two tough games against Luton and Charlton and we don’t want to be looking over our shoulders.”

Likely line-up:

Subs: Dunn, Johnson, Wilson, Ronan, Ismail, Morris, Bates.

Luton (4-1-2-1-2): Shea; Stacey, Pearson, Bradley, Justin; Mpanzu; Shinnie, McCormack; Lee; Cornick, Hylton.