MARK Oxley has urged Southend United to be wary of a Walsall backlash this weekend.

The Saddlers were beaten 4-0 at Rochdale on Tuesday night.

And, from personal experience this season, the Shrimpers shot-stopper fully understands how fired up Jon Whitney’s team will be to succeed on Saturday.

“You could look at Walsall and say that their result at Rochdale shows they could be vulnerable but I know how much a 4-0 defeat hurts and how determined they will be to put it right,” said Oxley.

“We’ve suffered two or three 4-0 defeats ourselves this season and it’s a horrible feeling.

“But I think I’m right in saying we have won the next game every time it’s happened and we’re going to have to be wary of that.

“Walsall are a strong side with some good players and they are probably quite similar to ourselves in terms of the budget and the size of the club so I think it’s going to be a good but difficult game.”

In contrast to Walsall’s recent struggles - which has seen them triumph just once in six games - Blues have put together a fine run in recent weeks.

Phil Brown’s side have not been beaten in their last seven league games and now sit ninth in the table.

But Oxley - who has been in fine form between the sticks in recent weeks - remains frustrated to have drawn 1-1 with Swindon Town on Tuesday night.

“It was tough to take to be honest and I felt as though the goal they got came out of the blue,” said the 26-year-old.

“They had a little bit of pressure but nothing major before their goalkeeper made three or four really good saves at the end.

“It’s obviously frustrating but I think most people would have taken four points from the two home games we’ve had this week if it was offered to us beforehand.

“I actually think how disappointed we all were after Tuesday shows how far we’ve come.

“Swindon might not have made the best of starts to the season but they’re still a strong team with some really good players so I think this definitely shows we’re moving in the right direction.

“But we need to keep it going against Walsall now.”

The Saddlers are currently 17th in the League One table and Saturday’s clash will also see Oxley coming up against his former side.

The custodian spent a month on loan at the Bescot Stadium towards the start of his career and is looking forward to making a return.

“I went to Walsall for a month as cover really when I was 18 or 19 but I enjoyed it and it was a good experience for me, especially at that stage of my career,” said Oxley.

“I still know one or two people there and it will be good to go back.

“It’s only about an hour away from where I’m from as well so I’m looking forward to Saturday.

“We want to keep this good run we’re on going and we’re confident we can if play like we did towards the end of the second half against Swindon in our game on Tuesday night.”