George Dobson: Big step forward for Walsall

Walsall’s backs-to-the-wall victory over Bradford City was followed up by a point at Burton Albion on Saturday – against a team who ran out easy winners in the reverse fixture at the Banks’s Stadium three months ago.

And Dobson said the players felt they should have taken all three points from the Brewers. “It’s a big step in the right direction,” said the 21-year-old. “We had 10 men for the whole game near enough against Bradford and got the win.

“And then to go to Burton, we were taking on a team who turned us over quite comfortably at our place earlier in the season. To put in that performance I feel is a really good stepping stone going into the last 11 games.”

Dobson said the last two results had given Saddlers a big boost going into the run-in. Everyone is in high spirits,” he added. “Getting the win in the circumstances we did against Bradford does breed confidence.

“Knowing you can beat at a team even though you played 85 minutes with 10 men it does make such a difference. And then we have gone to Burton and should have won the game.”

Dobson was employed in a deeper midfield role against Burton and felt it allowed him more time on the ball to find passes. And it was a role he relished. “I really enjoyed it. I felt like playing with Joe (Edwards) and Kins (Liam Kinsella) able to go on and press, having that extra man in there it’s easier to get on the ball and play a bit more