Mat Sadler responds to questions over Walsall's confidence levels after Gillingham draw

Jamille Matt moved into double figures for the campaign when he diverted Connor Barrett's left-footed effort beyond the reach of Gillingham goalkeeper Glen Morris just four minutes after the break. 

Gillingham produced a moment of magic from Robbie McKenzie to equaliser against the run of play when his sensational effort from distance crashed in off the crossbar. 

David Okagbue cleared Armani Little's deflected effort off the line before substitute Danny Johnson looped a glorious chance over the crossbar during a frantic finale. 

Walsall have picked up just two points from the last 15 available but remain seven points clear at the League Two summit, and Sadler is confident his team will continue to find ways of picking up points.

When asked why confidence levels appear to have dropped, Sadler responded: "I wouldn't say that. I thought for large parts of tonight, we were the only team who were looking to try and win the game. 

"We play our way, we've got our way to play. We keep trying to do the right things and we're doing well with that. 

"It would be brilliant if we could win every game, that would be amazing. Today, disappointed we didn't win it but we still picked up points."

He continued: "I suppose my rally cry is to keep with us. We can see there is a group of people there that are absolutely desperate to do well and they've earned the right to be backed like they have and like they're being. 

"Just keep with that because there will be ups and there will be downs. Keep being vocal and keep being supportive." 

Oisin McEntee stepped up into midfield after playing in defence in the defeat at Colchester United on Saturday, as the Irishman was preferred to Charlie Lakin. 

There was no place in the squad for deadline day signings Darius Lipsiuc and Alfie Chang but Sadler confirmed that both are match-fit and ready to contribute. 

"They're in the first team frame anyway. We've got good options there and we've got good players there who're playing," he said.

"Charlie didn't get on to the pitch tonight and I was probably ready to do that not long before they scored their goal. 

"In answer to your question, like everyone else, they're all ready, good to go and ready to contribute." 

Josh Gordon returned to the starting line-up after sitting out on the weekend but was forced off with a knock 10 minutes after the restart.

"He said he felt a kick when he won the free-kick. We'll have to see, I'm not sure, but he said that then he felt cramp so he had to come off," he revealed.

"We'll see. Gutted for him because he was putting himself about and being a pest and a nuisance. I thought he was incredible out of possession for us."