Preview: Saddlers will need to be well rested for tough trip to Oldham
The message from Mat Sadler after Walsall's FA Cup victory at Gateshead was clear: Rest and recover.
Not only was it a long journey north to disappoint the expectant television cameras in the second round of the world's oldest domestic cup competition, but came amid apocalyptic conditions.
While the pitch appeared to hold up well to the incessant rain, its heaviness would have taken its toll on the legs of those in action at the Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday.
And as well as the Saddlers players have been able to rest up in the three days since, it will undoubtedly be on Sadler's mind when he selects his starting XI for a game against a physical Oldham Athletic side.
"It's been a good week - three wins in a week - and the start of a new one, so we have to be pleased," said Sadler, following his side's FA Cup progress. "2-0 away from home in any format is a good result and we will go home and rest up and recover."
