‘Since 4am!’ - Mat Sadler hails ‘monster’ Aden Flint after Boxing Day win keeps Walsall top

Jamille Matt’s goal on the cusp of half-time sealed the win as the Saddlers extended their unbeaten run to six League Two matches.

It was a hard-fought victory, but Walsall remain top of the table heading into the final game of the year on Monday, sitting one point clear of second-placed Bromley.

Asked whether he had been thinking about how to secure the win on Christmas Day, boss Sadler admitted:“For the whole day. I was thinking about it at 4am in the morning when the kids woke up as well.

“But it’s always a little bit different, the Boxing Day game, because the preparation is slightly different, so you always worry slightly about that, but I thought the players were magnificent and gave us nothing to worry about.

“We were outstanding. I thought we could have scored a couple more from set plays, but in second half, I thought we were very good. 

“At the end, we needed to just show that resilience to defend the box. I thought Flinty was a monster there.

“There's loads of family here for the players. You could see them on the pitch at the end. 

“I want that. I want families to be part of this journey together, alongside the supporters. I want everyone together.

“Merry Christmas to everybody, and keep with us on the journey that we're on together.”

Flint made a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half, leaping like a salmon to head the ball away from beneath the crossbar.

Sadler added: “It was class. For someone who's just broken their nose two or three weeks ago, heading for the crossbar. I felt for the crossbar.

“He does brilliantly in both boxes. I think he's a real threat, as you saw with the goal. 

“He's a top bloke, he knows his level very well, he's had an outstanding career, and we love working with him.”