Late last night Walsall Football Club first-team manager Dean Smith spoke to the club's official website, and reflected on the Saddlers' 2-0 Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Final victory over Preston North End.
Speaking to Saddlers.co.uk, Smith said; “We started the game well but they came into it and we had Richard O'Donnell to thank for a couple of good saves,” he said. “They were more competitive than us in the first half, but we showed what we are about after the break.
“We won more second balls and scored a couple of good goals to get a deserved victory.
“We know that it will be tough in the second leg, but we’ll take 2-0 at half-time in the tie as it gives us a fighting chance.
“The character of the players means that they will always stand up and be counted; we know that we will have to be at our best in the second leg but our focus will remain.
“The opportunity is there for us. We’re a fit team who move the ball well and we’ll always create chances late on in games.
“Just as important now, though, is to be ready for Saturday’s game because we need to start winning games at home again and move up the League table.”
SOURCE SADDLERS.CO.UK