Darrell Clarke impressed by Walsall 'desire'
Walsall manager Darrell Clarke is impressed with his side’s ‘desire’ after a penalty shoot-out win over Bristol Rovers.
Goals from Zak Jules and Josh Gordon could have won the game for the Saddlers before a 71st minute equaliser from Jonah Ayunga took the game to penalties in the EFL Trophy clash.
Walsall earned the extra point after Jack Rose made two superb penalty stops and Clarke was pleased with his side’s showing ahead of their League Two opener on Saturday.
“I’m pleased,” he said. “I have three lads making their debut and they’ve only trained two or three days with us.
“Yet again the work rate, application (was there). A little bit sloppy at times and I’m a bit disappointed with the two goals.
“The lads gave me everything and I thought we played some good stuff at times - mixed our game up quite well and pleased to win it on pens.
“I like my teams to epitomise what I’m all about, never giving in, work rate, desire.
“I thought we showed that and showed it Saturday. Bear in mind we’ve had a real tough game Saturday against a Championship team and spent a lot of time with the ball.
“The energy levels yet again were very good.”
