Mat Sadler was delighted with his Walsall squad as they eliminated four-time FA Cup winners Bolton Wanderers in the first round.
Their League One opponents took the lead through Josh Sheehan in the early stages of the second half but was quickly pegged back through Liam Gordon. Jamie Jellis made himself the deciding factor as the game entered added time to give the fourth tier side their third scalp against higher level opposition in cup competitions this year.
Sadler Praises Bescot Faithful
The Saddlers boss saw the fans as a deciding factor in their win over Wanderers, telling the Express and Star:
“The amount of supporters that were here today. The biggest attendance for a first round FA Cup game at Bescot and I love that because fair play to the club for putting an incentive out there to get supporters in and they really followed that.
“We’ve had some good ones and when it’s here under the lights, it’s a hell of a place to come and it’s a difficult place for opposition to come.
“They all loving being with each other. Their attitude is infectious, they work so hard for each other, they work so hard for the team.
“I’m pleased and proud for the football club today because we all came together. No doubt about it, if you finish above them (Bolton) this season. I think there’s only Birmingham City in that division that can maybe lay claim for being a better team.”
The result put Walsall on a five-game unbeaten run as they seek to close the gap on League Two leaders Port Vale. They play Crewe Alexandra next weekend ahead of a midweek clash against struggling Shrewsbury Town.
Writer’s View
Walsall have been defying expectations throughout the season and this might be their best result of the lot. Bolton had finally found their groove after a tough period which could have spelt the end of Ian Evatt but were undone by The Saddlers in a deserved result. With the way his team are playing, Mat Sadler shouldn’t fear anyone left in the hat for the second round and can dream of playing one of the Premier League sides in the third round.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
