'I continue to believe' - Mat Sadler reacts as Walsall lose 2-0 against MK Dons

Mat Sadler says he continues to "believe" despite Walsall extending their winless run to seven games in League Two with a 2-0 home defeat against MK Dons.

There were more calls for Sadler's sacking after the full-time whistle, as Walsall fell 11 points adrift of the automatic promotion places. 

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy capitalised on a mistake by Priestley Farquharson to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark. 

Jon Mellish sealed the win for MK Dons when he stabbed in from close-range after Walsall failed to clear a corner delivered towards the near post.

Walsall have collected just seven points from the last 30 available, but Sadler insists he will keep fighting his way through the recent challenges.

On his future, Sadler said: "It's all about winning games, doing well and being on that front-foot. 

"I've got a fantastic relationship with everyone at this football club. Through good times and bad times.

"That has remained the same and will continue to do so. Football is a brutal business at times. 

"You can be the perfect man for the job a month ago and then all of a sudden that changes. 

"But you know what? It changes back the other way very quickly as well and I will be fighting. 

"I'll keep believing. That's what we have to do, otherwise what's the point. I will keep flying that flag during a challenging period."

Form in general has been poor since the turn of the year, but results at home in particular has become increasingly alarming. 

They have not emerged victorious at Bescot since beating Crewe Alexandra on Boxing Day - a run spanning five games (drawing twice, losing three). 

"It was a tough game. I didn't think there was much going on in the first 30 minutes," he added.

"Both teams were feeling each other out and neither team had very little moments. 

"The mistake opens up the game and the disappointing thing in the next 15 minutes if that we didn't well to that. 

"But I thought we did in the first 15 minutes of the second half. We had more moments and you just wanted one of them to change the tide of the game. 

Walsall are winless in their last seven games in League Two after losing 2-0 to MK Dons on Monday.placeholder image
Walsall are winless in their last seven games in League Two after losing 2-0 to MK Dons on Monday.

"Mistakes have cost us today and they've been very costly over the past couple of weeks. 

"We have to be more, we have to do more. We have to make a choice whether we're happy with saying there wasn't much in the game, or take it by the scruff of the neck."

Courtney Clarke was also forced off in the latter stages after going down with a knee issue. 

"He took a bang on his knee, but I think it was more of an impact," he revealed. 

"Hopefully it doesn't swell up, but if I'm honest, I haven't been able to catch up with him to see how that was."

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