Mat Sadler hails Walsall's second half response in their draw at Crawley Town

Myles Roberts denied Harry McKirdy from the spot inside the first five minutes, after Aaron Pressley had had an effort from distance tipped on to the crossbar. 

Crawley did get their noses in front just past the half-hour mark when Ryan Loft rose unmarked to cushion his header into the bottom corner from McKirdy's cross. 

But Walsall recovered from a subpar first half display to get themselves back into the game after the break, with Connor Barrett chopping inside to equalise eight minutes after the restart.

"The problems we had to work out were less tactical, and more physical," Sadler said.

"We weren't quite at it, which was unfortunate, but my main reflections straightaway is that we're 12 games into a new team here. 

"Everything has gone great so far, but today was that first time where we looked at it, and said, we need to remember who we are here. 

"To then put the first half behind us and play the way we did in the second half, will be a brilliant reference point for our team."

"Second half was an immense effort from the group and the only thing missing was a winning goal, which I thought was going to come. 

"I have to probably take the point, move on, and be pleased that we picked up points in testing circumstances." 

Barrett extended his season tally to three goals with his excellent leveller and helped extend the Saddlers' unbeaten run to eight games in League Two. 

Walsall boast a two-point cushion over second-place Swindon Town, albeit having played a game more, and Sadler felt Barrett looked a completely different player in the second half.

"Connor has traits to his play that are a much higher level. The challenge for him will be when it's not quite been your day, how quickly can he get that out of his system," he noted.

"I thought you saw a completely different athlete in the second half from the first half. 

"Three goals for him already. I'd love to be inside his head sometimes because what I see with my eyes is a fantastic footballer who can be whatever he wants to be." 

Aden Flint made his 600th professional appearance for Walsall in a team which featured a total of four games from their 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers last week. 

And Sadler took the opportunity to congratulate the 36-year-old on reaching his latest milestone.

"It's a real milestone to get to 600. I'm really proud of him because he is the epitome of the next phase of us," he added.