Walsall defender Priestley Farquharson says that Walsall are still in the promotion race. He could not understand why the Saddlers’ promotion hopes had been written off during their recent poor run.
Ending the Winless Run
Farquharson scored twice as Walsall beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1 on Saturday. The victory ended a seven-match winless run in League Two and eased the pressure on boss Mat Sadler.
It was just a second win in a run of 11 league games which had dropped the Saddlers from top spot on Boxing Day to 10th place before their trip to Shropshire.
“It’s just a huge relief, we wanted that win so badly, and I feel like we deserved it with some of the draws we’ve had,” Farquharson told BBC Radio WM after the game. “But we really needed that and it will give us a lift.
Focus on Home Form
Farquharson wants Saturday’s result to spark a winning run, starting with a home game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).
“But nothing’s done yet, we’ve got to create a fortress at home now, get that home form strong and push on,” Farquharson said.
Remaining in Contention
Walsall remain 10th, but are within two points of the play-off spots with a quarter of the season to go.
The reversal of fortunes brought back memories of last season’s collapse when Walsall missed out in the play-offs having come into January with a big lead at the top of the table.
“Tough times don’t last but tough people do,” Farquharson said. “Everyone goes through a bad spell – even the top teams – so you’ve just got to push through. It’s all about mentality, and all the boys know we’re still in this.
“I don’t know why we should be written off, we’ve got such a good squad, it just hasn’t gone our way. Today was just a huge relief and we’ve got to take it into the next game at home.”
Farquharson took his goal tally for the season to five with his double against Shrewsbury Town.