Mansfield v Walsall preview: Saddlers ‘are growing’ but face a stern test at Stags
Mat Sadler believes Walsall are showing signs that they are growing as a group ahead of their visit to Field Mill to face Mansfield Town tomorrow.
The Saddlers are unbeaten in four games in all competitions (one win, three draws) since losing 4-0 at Sutton United earlier this month, and face a tough test against the division’s only unbeaten side.
Whilst Sadler accepts there have been bumps on the road along the way this season, he is confident that the team are on the right path.
“I am a big believer in what happened previously doesn’t help what happens now, but it does give us evidence to suggest that’s what we’re good at and that’s what we can do,” Sadler said.
“I’ve used different things for that reason. I was under no illusions about the Sutton game as to how that happened and why that happened.
“Our response to that has been brilliant. We’re growing as a team, we’re growing as a group, and there will be moments where it’s not how we want it to look.
“I am most definitely the type of person who is aware of that. I know that will be the case but I am also aware of where it will go, and where we will go.
“There will be bumps in the road, and there will fantastic moments too, but it’s part of the process and the journey, and it’s a good journey to be on.”
Walsall’s top scorer Freddie Draper and defender Harry Williams will be assessed ahead of the trip to the East Midlands.
Draper limped off in the 65th minute against Crawley, whilst Williams was withdrawn at the break after Sadler revealed he had injured his ankle in training earlier in the week. The Saddlers are also expected to be without Rollin Menayese (ankle), David Okagbue (ankle), Priestley Farquharson (foot), Jack Earing (knee), Oisin McEntee (groin) and Aramide Oteh (hamstring). Sadler admitted it has been frustrating not to be able to field a full strength side, but has been pleased with how his players have stepped up to the challenge.
“I don’t want to get into making any excuses because that’s why we put a squad together,” he revealed.
“The squad has been tested and everyone has stood up to the challenge when they’ve asked to play.
“Naturally, it hasn’t looked as we had set it out because we have had injuries, and we’re desperate for players to come back.
“But those ones that have come in. For example, Comley played his first 90 minutes the other night and I thought he was great.”
Danny Johnson marked his emergence from the bench with his first goal since August on Tuesday night.
The forward will be keen to prove a point against his former employers, after receiving a lack of minutes following his return from his goal laden loan spell at Walsall in January.
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