Walsall boss Darrell Clarke: Conceding first is a worry

The Saddlers have fallen behind first in 12 of their 21 League Two games this season.

Although they have recovered 14 points from losing positions so far in this campaign, they have fallen into a pattern of having to fight back.

After going 1-0 down to Scunthorpe on Tuesday night the Saddlers brought it back to 1-1 before missing a penalty and eventually losing 2-1 and Clarke admits he is concerned about his side constantly conceding first.

“Yeah it is a little worry and it makes it difficult for ourselves when we concede the first goal,” he said.

“Unfortunate with a deflection that went straight to their lad and they scored. For the amount of dominance in the game and the opportunities, there was only one team that was going to win it if the penalty went in. We know that. I’m just frustrated really.”

George Nurse, who made his return from injury in the midweek clash, echoed his manager’s comments.

“We need to get that out of our game,” he said. “It leaves us with more work to do and trying to fight to get back into the game. We need to remove that from our game and give us more of a chance to win the game. We need to put in defensive work on the training ground and keep working hard. Obviously frustrated not to get all three points but we have to stick together and put a performance in on Saturday.”