Newport v Walsall preview: Saddlers told to keep hold of that winning feeling

The Saddlers are back on the road against a Newport side, who are desperately struggling for form.

And Sadler has called on his players to replicate the standards set in the previous outing when Walsall kick-off under the lights in Wales.

“The mood is great, as it naturally would be,” Sadler insisted. “I suppose the job for all of us is to remind them of what got them the feeling that they are enjoying.

“We want them to repeat that. I think Bradford was a similar performance in terms of how we went about our work.

“We want to be front foot, we want to be high energy, we want to make it really difficult for the opposition, and then show our qualities off the back of that. I thought we did that brilliantly on Saturday and the week has been around having to do it all over again.”

Isaac Hutchinson scored his first career hat-trick against the Gills, while Freddie Draper joined him on five goals for the campaign.

Sadler also opened up about the challenges of leaving players out, and insists communication has been key to maintaining a strong team spirit.

“Talking to each other. I make a big point of talking to Danny (Johnson), Jamille (Matt), and whoever has come out of the side,” he admitted.

“I won’t go away from speaking to them because it’s the right thing to do.

“The clear communication between coach and player is important to me because that is how I liked it as a player. I let them know my viewpoint on things, and I am happy for them to give me their viewpoint.

“Is everyone happy all the time? A hundred per cent not because every single player in my team wants to play, and I am the person who has to make the decision whether they do.”

Walsall will be without Aramide Oteh, who is staring at four to six weeks on the sidelines.

Priestley Farquharson has been back in training this week, although it’s “touch and go” whether he will be available to face his former club.

David Okagbue trained with the physio team earlier in the week, and is expected to be welcomed back into the frame next week.

Liam Gordon has returned from his international exploits with Guyana, and will also be assessed ahead of the trip to Wales.

Rollin Menayese was restored to the squad as an unused substitute for the EFL Trophy draw against Forest Green last week, but Sadler has warned he is still on the road to recovery, and is edging closer to a return.