ALAN Knill is demanding a reaction from his players after Saturday’s disastrous 3-0 defeat by neighbours Rochdale.

The Shakers were woefully exposed by on a dreadful afternoon at Spotland, and the Bury boss is eager for his side to return to winning ways against League One side Walsall.

“We are better than we played on Saturday but the fact is you are always only as good as your last performance,” said Knill.

“If you walk into games thinking you are better than you are you are going to get a shock — like we did in the second half against Rochdale.

“We stepped off a gear — we went backwards when we should have been going forwards.

“I have to say the performance in the second half was very difficult to take.”

Knill is set to hand a first 90 minutes of the season to star striker Andy Bishop in the clash with the Saddlers, but he will be without a host of first team players.

David Buchanan is still struggling with a back injury, while Michael Jones is out for four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments. Danny Carlton remains a long-term absentee and Danny Racchi is rated doubtful after being injured at the weekend.

“We have to assess injuries but it gives some of those players who have not featured so far a run-out,” said Knill. “I will probably start with Bish and get 90 minutes under his belt.”

Former Bury man Dwayne Mattis is looking forward to playing against his old team for Walsall and said: “I have very fond memories of my time at Bury.

“I played the best football of my career there and earned a move into the Championship with Barnsley.

“They are a good club with dedicated people involved and I wish them well for the season — after the game of course.

“I went back to watch them a few times last season and they are a good, strong team who will give us a tough game.

“It is up to us to make home advantage count and if we reach the standards we know we are capable of, we will be okay. ”