Defender Manny Smith has started every game for Walsall this season

Walsall defender Manny Smith has urged a section of supporters to stop booing the struggling League One side.

The Saddlers, who are bottom of League One and eight points from safety, were jeered during their 2-0 FA Cup first round replay victory over Fleetwood.

"Everyone's entitled to their opinion but if the fans are booing and getting on our back, they can't expect us to do well," the 22-year-old told BBC WM.

Chris Hutchings' side take on Carlisle at the Bescot Stadium on Saturday.

We need the crowd behind us, but if they're not going to be behind us we need to stick together as a team Manny Smith

Smith continued: "Some of the crowd are mixed [opinions] and even when we're doing well, they still want to get on our backs.

"They pay their money to come and see us and they expect to see good performances.

"We need the crowd behind us, but if they're not going to be behind us we need to stick together as a team."

Walsall have picked up just five points from their last 13 matches in League One are now four points adrift at the bottom of the table.

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