Dean Keates Pleased With Walsall's Disciplined Defence Dean Keates Pleased With Walsall's Disciplined Defence

Dean Keates Pleased With Walsall's Disciplined Defence

Walsall manager Dean Keates has spoken ahead of Saturday's League One six-pointer with AFC Wimbledon, and looked back to the midweek draw with Oldham Athletic, praising his side for their improved defensive display.
39-year-old Keates, who was appointed following the dismissal of Jon Whitney, has seen his side conceded just two goals in three games and keep an all-too-rare clean sheet along the way.

The manager, who was speaking via the club's official website - Saddlers.co.uk, said; "We look a lot more organised now - we’ve got a better shape and we’re a lot more disciplined. The other night, if the right decision had been given in the build up to their goal, we would have kept a clean sheet.

"At half-time, we asked them to make sure we kept a clean sheet in the second half. We were put under a lot of pressure, and the conditions were difficult with the wind.

"But anyone who was there could see that they put everything on the line to keep a clean sheet in the second half. The desire and spirit was there – they put their bodies on the line, blocked shots and were committed. That is all you can ask for."


Keates then looked ahead to the clash with the Dons, insisting that victory would cap off a successful week for the Banks's Stadium club, he continued; "We’re happy with how the last two results have gone. We got three points at home and went up to Oldham and did a good job.

"In the second half we got put under a lot of pressure but we came away with a hard-earned point. If we can back that up with three points at home against Wimbledon, then it will have been a good week.

"They had a great result the other night against a team in the Play-Offs. They’ll have taken a lot of confidence from that and looking at their last few games, they’re a big, strong, physical team that are well organised. Lyle Taylor is very lively and Joe Pigott is a handful too."
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