Kevan Broadhurst steps into uncharted territory tonight with his first home fixture as Walsall manager but he is under no illusions about the arduous task ahead.

Broadhurst's first three games at the Bescot helm have seen him garner an unlikely five points from trips to Southend, Swan-sea and Tranmere Rovers.

Friday night's win on the Wirral, courtesy of a Grant Smith brace, further enhanced Broad-hurst's reputation among the Saddlers faithful and lifted them out of the bottom four.

It also strengthened his own hand regarding landing the job on a long-term basis in the summer.

Yet Broadhurst is concerned that expectations might be growing at an unrealistic rate, especially with Walsall only one point clear of the drop zone.

He is already without the bedrock of his mid-field for tonight's clash with Yeovil Town, the side directly below them.

Both Pablo Mills and Simon Osborn are suspended for two games and leave the Saddlers manager with a gaping hole to fill in his engine room.

Add to that the expectation levels among supporters yet to see Walsall perform at home under their new boss and it is easy to see why Broadhurst wants to keep his team's feet on terra firma.

"I don't think even the most die-hard of Walsall supporters would have given us much chance of getting five points from our last three away games," said Broadhurst.

"That can bring its own problems as people will expect us to win our next two home games against Yeovil and Bradford.

"But, in my opinion, the hard work starts here. It can be a lot easier away from home against the top teams as everyone assumes we will go there and get beat.

"If you are organised and work hard, then you have got a chance.

"However, it is unlikely to be a free-flowing match as we are in a difficult situation. I saw Yeovil at Bournemouth on Saturday and they aren't bad, so it will be a tough match."

Not only is Broadhurst without Mills and Osborn but Mark Wright (hip), Chris Westwood (knee), Dean Keates (hamstring) and Michael Standing (thigh) are all injury doubts. Nevertheless, whatever team Broadhurst fields against the Glovers, they will be giving their all.

"If you lose two players in the same position then it is always difficult," said Broadhurst.

"But we will just get on with it although I am not prepared to risk people who could go and miss three or four games by aggravating their injury.

"I need to make sure they are fit, as we still have nine games left after this one, so it isn't worth gambling.

"As at most clubs, if you get a win under your belts, the players are easier to motivate. Grant Smith's strikes were excellently taken on Friday and we didn't create as many chances as we did at Swansea in the previous fixture.

"What I can guarantee is hard work from the team. That fact shouldn't change whether you are playing a side at the top or bottom of the table."