Walsall manager Mat Sadler has called for unity as his side’s promotion hopes continue to hang by a thread following another frustrating result at home to Harrogate Town.
The Saddlers’ 2-2 draw at Bescot Stadium stretched their winless run to eleven matches, with just three victories recorded in 2025 since the departure of striker Nathan Lowe. Once firmly in the automatic promotion places, Sadler’s team are now in serious danger of blowing their chances altogether.
Sadler Urges Support as Frustration Grows
Walsall took the lead against Harrogate when a Connor Barrett shot deflected in off Anthony O’Connor. However, familiar defensive frailties surfaced once again as Josh March capitalised on a static backline to equalise midway through the first half.
Further slack defending after the hour mark allowed Ellis Taylor to fire Harrogate into the lead, with Walsall only salvaging a point thanks to a late Liam Gordon strike. Despite dominating possession, the Saddlers struggled to create meaningful chances and were booed off by sections of their own fans.
“We’re fighting for the club, for everything. We’re fighting to achieve something. I don’t like hearing boos, of course I don’t. I don’t think that that helps us move forward, but I understand the frustration that we’re not twenty points clear, but we are where we are,” said Sadler.
The manager insisted that both players and supporters must stick together during the final three matches of the campaign, but tensions are clearly rising among fans who fear the season is slipping away after such a promising start.
Since Lowe’s January exit, Walsall’s form has dramatically nosedived. Their inability to maintain leads and defensive lapses have turned potential wins into damaging draws and defeats. Once among the League Two frontrunners, they now face a tense battle just to secure a play-off place.
Sadler maintains faith in his squad’s fight and spirit, but knows that only results will quieten growing unrest at the Bescot.
Writer’s View
Walsall’s dramatic collapse since Nathan Lowe’s departure has left their promotion dreams hanging by a thread. Mat Sadler’s call for unity is admirable, but the reality is that performances must improve immediately. Without a swift turnaround, a season that once promised so much could end in bitter disappointment.
