Walsall boss happy with one thing but disappointed with Saddlers’ draw

On a disappointing day in Lancashire, Walsall had excellent chances in both halves. Liam Gordon fired wide from close range within four minutes and Nathan Lowe was denied a one-on-one by inspired Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin in the closing stages.

Tommy Simkin made an important comeback save to deny Sonny Aljoffrey’s point-blank shot as Walsall recorded their second draw of the season.

Sadler said: “The boys are disappointed because we came here to win, but we also knew it was going to be a really tough day and tough in a lot of ways compared to what we faced in the previous two games.”

“I’m so proud of how we mixed it up and how we fought, gave up, fought and gave everything. We left it all on the field and that’s all you can ask for.

“The first 10 minutes I thought we did great. Then maybe because we didn’t get that goal it became a little more chaotic, but at half-time we talked about sorting things out a little bit.

“But we knew we had to be relentless defensively and I thought so, but when the chance came we just didn’t take it. What.”

The result keeps Walsall in second place, although leaders Port Vale extended their lead at the League Two summit to four points with a 3-2 win over Wimbledon.

The Saddlers are unbeaten in four games since a 6-2 defeat at Fleetwood Town in Bescot last month and Sadler is proud of his side’s response in recent games.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts this week. We’ve had to do things differently, overcome different kinds of opposition, and throughout this time we’ve stayed true to who we are,” he continued.

“I should be pleased. “I’m disappointed that we didn’t give the traveling support the victory we deserved, but I think we can all see the progress we’re making and this was another important step forward in a difficult future.” “