Darrell Clarke: Walsall dug in well to beat Leyton Orient

Coming off the back of the late 2-1 defeat to Carlisle on Sunday, the Saddlers started in similar fashion, creating several good chances.

But this time Walsall took one of their chances through Josh Gordon.

The striker raced onto a flick on from Caolan Lavery and rounded goalkeeper Sam Sargeant before slotting into an empty net.

In the second half left-back Cameron Pring was sent off for a foul on Myles Judd, earning him a second yellow card.

Despite the man disadvantage Walsall hung on to their lead and Clarke was pleased for his side and the home support.

“I was very critical of my team the other day, going down to 10 men,” he said.

“It’s not a habit we want to get into by the way, but full credit to my boys today.

“I’ll not say the first word but they went to brick houses.

“I use the word a lot but the focus and mentality has to be spot on when you’re in those backs to the walls situations.

“I thought we did it superbly today.

“I can’t remember Robbo (Liam Roberts) having a serious save to make if I’m honest.

“The work throughout the team was there for all to see.

“To be fair I have to give my fans massive credit today because I thought they were outstanding and helped us to achieve the win.

“They haven’t had a lot to shout about for a long period of time and I thought they got behind the boys superbly today with our backs against the wall.

“We’re really pleased for them and we appreciate that.

“I made a couple of changes the other day to get us back into a game and then all of a sudden you lose an injury and you’re short on the pitch.

“But also I thought it was a weak mentality the other day, today a very, very strong mentality to see the game through.

“We’re really pleased with them.”

Midfielder Rory Holden put in an impressive shift for the team and was particularly proud of the result.

“It was a great result, I thought the boys dug in well,” he said.

“Obviously when we got the sending off I think we looked very solid and looked good on the break at times too.

“It’s a fantastic result to start the New Year.”