Saddlers face toughest task yet

Sep 26 2007 By Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

WALSALL face their toughest test so far this season when they visit high-flying Hartlepool on Saturday.

Bottom of the table Saddlers will meet a Hartlepool side third in the table and buoyant from a superb 4-2 win at leaders Leyton Orient.

Richard Money's men pipped Pool to the League Two title last season but the clubs have had very different fortunes since. While they have prospered, the Saddlers have struggled. Poorest yet was last weekend's 3-0 home defeat to Oldham.

But while admitting that match was a big disappointment, midfielder Darren Wrack reckons the inconsistent Saddlers are capable of springing a surprise at Victoria Park.

"Everyone was disappointed last Saturday," Wrack said. "We didn't get going. We had put in a good shift at Millwall the week before but didn't follow that up at all against Oldham.

"We have to put that right at Hartlepool. It is always a hard place to go but we've got enough about us to go there and get the win.

"We have been inconsistent this season, but on our travels we've played some good stuff and are capable of beating Hartlepool."