Walsall needed to show "more bravery" in attack in Gillingham defeat - Mat Sadler

Bradley Dack scored the only goal of the game for the hosts when he lashed home a loose ball from close-range in the 57th-minute. 

It was a scrappy affair with little in terms of clear-cut chances. Charlie Lakin fired over in the first half and Josh Gordon struck a tame finish into the midriff of Gillingham goalkeeper Glenn Morris. 

Either way, Walsall struggled to threaten a great deal in attack, and Sadler feels his team needed to stamp their authority on the game more.

"We had three good chances in the game. Charlie Lakin at the start of the game, Josh [Gordon] at the end and Rico [Browne] has a good header in the first half as well," Sadler said.

"But I don't think that either team did enough to say that they were the better team on the day. 

"When we go to places like this, we have to find ways of being braver and stamping our authority on the game more. 

"We have to make sure that we're not too disheartened by that and we need to make sure we learn from that. We've got a new group and there are some new experiences."

The goal ultimately came from a long throw, which was launched into the box by Walsall-born wing-back Remeao Hutton. 

Walsall failed to clear their lines and Gills defender Andy Smith worked the ball to Dack to score the decider. 

While Sadler felt there was little in the contest between both teams, he was frustrated to see them concede in the manner that they did. 

"It was a very scrappy goal and you want to create that little bit of jeopardy for them in front of their home fans," he added.

"Both teams pretty much cancelled each other out and it was frustrating that we fall the other side of a long throw. 

"We have to make sure that that doesn't become a thing because we conceded too many times from long throws last season. 

"We've altered things, we've tried to be different with it. I think we headed the majority of them away so it was frustrating that didn't quite deal with that one. 

"It ends up being the difference between both teams."

Harrison Burke was cleared fit before the game after missing the opening 2-1 win over Swindon Town at Bescot due to an ankle injury. 

Rico Browne kept his place in the team, but Sadler reiterated that Burke is available for selection again. 

"Harrison is available now so there is every chance he will play on Tuesday," he concluded.