Our preview of the trip to Walsall…
Walsall
Sky Bet League 1
Saturday 19th October
Bescot Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, WS1 4SA
Kick-off: 3pm
Weather forecast: 16°c, Wet and Cloudy.
Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire)
With two wins in the last two games, Boro hit the road after 3 consecutive home games as they travel to Walsall, who are looking to break into the top six.
Last time we met:
Boro travelled to the Bescot Stadium on New Year's Day of this year and suffered a late 1-0 defeat. Jamie Paterson struck a brilliant late winner to condemn Boro to their third straight defeat. Stevenage were the better team in the first half and were unlucky not to take the lead as Morais had two great chances to score, first testing Darlow in goal before hitting the bar from a free-kick. Walsall improved after the break and went close on a number of occasions before Paterson’s long range winner.
Team news:
Graham Westley should have a strong squad to choose from though, as Michael Doughty and Luke Freeman both return from their one game suspension. Darius Charles is looking at another four or fives weeks out after undergoing surgery on his ankle and Ben Chorley is also no closer to returning to fitness.
Dean Smith should have a full strength squad to pick from as Walsall have no fresh injury concerns.
View from the dressing room:
Graham Westley and Jon Ashton spoke to Boro Player about the match:
To view the full interviews sign in to your Boro Player account.
The Walsall Scout Report:
Recent form:
After starting the season with 3 wins in a row, The Saddlers have fallen off dramatically and have won only twice in the eleven games since. Walsall are facing most of their troubles at home, having only won once at the Bescot. They have perhaps produced the most eye catching result of the season however, a 1-0 win at Wolves shook the Football League as they ended their West Midlands neighbour's 100% home record.
Key man:
Craig Westcarr is enjoying a rich vein of form, finding the net five times this season already. His most recent goal earned the team a point and ended Leyton Orient’s 100% record this season, as he struck late at Brisbane Road. Along with his goals, Westcarr provides invaluable experience to a young squad and is leading by example on the pitch. Westcarr did join Stevenage back in the summer of 2007 but re-joined Kettering just a short time later without making an appearance for Boro.