Walsall's late defeat at Cheltenham Town "a kick in the teeth" - Mat Sadler

In total, the Saddlers have emerged pointless from the last two games, despite totting up a remarkable 38 shots combined. 

Sadler admits that Walsall need to be more ruthless in the final third, but that results will come if they continue to maintain their current performance levels.

'A kick in the teeth'

"Sometimes you go away from games like this and you do wonder how things sometimes happen like that," boss Sadler said.

"We dominated the game, we were very impressive in lots of areas and it was a very good performance for 91 and a half minutes. 

"The trouble is that the game doesn't last for 91 and half minutes, so we have to make sure that we see moments like that out and defend those moments properly. 

"Of course, we want to be more ruthless in there, but I have to be reflective and make sure that I don't lose sight of how good the performance was. 

"I have to keep referring to how good of a team we have, but it's a kick in the teeth for everyone. 

"We've had really good successes in the first part of the season and we've had a couple of punches on the nose in the last two games. 

"We're not going to be victims to that. We're going to keep fighting, keep being warriors and keep putting in performances like that. 

"There will be many more better days than not."

Lewis Warrington on crutches

Lewis Warrington took a knock on his ankle in the first 60 seconds and battled on until he was eventually forced off on the half-hour mark. 

The Walsall midfielder was seen on crutches in the second half, but Sadler is hopeful that it won't prove to be a serious injury.

"Lewis should be alright. He has taken a big whack, so I hope he's alright, but I don't think it's anything too serious," he revealed. 

"He took a kick on his ankle after about 30 seconds and it started blowing up a little bit."

Sadler claimed before the game that Vincent Harper would be available, despite suffering a knock during the first half of their 2-1 home defeat against Barrow last weekend.

However, Harper did not travel with the squad to Gloucestershire, as Walsall handed a first league start to Stockport County loanee Jid Okeke. 

Okeke crashed an effort against the post in the second half, as he impressed in attack, but Sadler has assured that Harper will be in contention against Chelsea under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday. 

"It's not a long-term one. He just didn't make it in time for this game, [but he is in contention] for Tuesday," he added.