Walsall boss Darrell Clarke: Penalty issues are behind us

McDonald overruled designated penalty taker Gordon, before missing the spot-kick, in their 2-1 defeat to Morecambe on January 28.

But against Forest Green on Saturday, Gordon returned to the penalty spot and took his chance, with Clarke insisting that issue is now behind them.

“We won’t go over old rope, it’s nice for them both to be on the scoresheet and that’s been dealt with,” he said. “It not the reason Wes McDonald was on the bench.

“We came here and knew we had to be very good without the ball.

“Forest Green are a very good possession-based side.

“We thought we’d go with a narrow midfield four and Wes took them on and produced the goods in the last 30.

“Wes is fantastic and understands there’s certain games that he’ll start and certain games I need him to be as effective as he is when he comes on.

“We’re really pleased with the team effort, desire and commitment – and nice to see it out at the end.

“It was about responding after a negative week and we did that in the only manner acceptable, and that’s trying to win – and we did that.”

The Saddlers had an impressive following for the Rovers clash, with 995 fans travelling from the Black Country.

After the team came through a losing run, Clarke thanked the fans for sticking by them and travelling in their numbers.

“It’s been frustrating really in the last three games to not get ourselves any points,” he added. “Then it’s back to square one and you’re looking for a response from your team and we got that.

“I thought the supporters were outstanding, really cheering the boys on.

“They had every right to maybe be a little bit negative before the game but it was fantastic away support by the Walsall fans.

“It’s really pleasing and we thank them for that.”