Walsall frontman: We played into Newport County's hands in FA Cup exit

Walsall forward Andy Dallas was left frustrated after the Saddlers’ 3-1 defeat to Newport County on Saturday afternoon.

The Saddlers bowed out of the FA Cup First Round with the loss at Rodney Parade, as they succumbed to their second loss in three games, writes Jack Dakin.

Dallas put Walsall in front inside the opening six minutes with a powerful finish at the back post from close range, before Kion Etete and Michael Adu-Poku put the hosts in front before the break. Etete then grabbed his second on the hour mark after reacting quickest to get on the end of his own rebounded shot to secure the win for Newport.

The Scotsman felt that although the Saddlers played into the Exiles’ hands in south Wales, the hosts were deserving winners on the day.

“[We’re] gutted,” Dallas said. “We’ve been in a good place as a squad; we were confident coming into it.

“I think we just fell into their hands at too many points, so overall, they probably deserved their victory.

“We were well-warned before the game, and just at certain points, we’ve played into their hands.

“Maybe overplaying at certain points and letting them get a foothold in the game, especially going ahead, so it’s bitterly disappointing.

“We’re looking forward to putting it right in a few weeks’ time.”

Most disappointing for Dallas, on a difficult afternoon for Walsall, was the manner in which they conceded the three goals to the Exiles.

Declan Skura and Ryan Leak were slow to react for Newport’s third, after Etete’s initial strike bounced off the post and fell straight back to the forward, who slotted past Jed Ward.

Dallas felt that conceding in such a fashion was the main frustration at Rodney Parade, especially for the 495 Walsall fans watching on in the away end.

He said: “Just the manner of the goals - that didn’t look like us.

“I think that’ll be what’s most disappointing for the fans and staff watching it.

“It didn’t feel nice when the goals went in; it didn’t feel like us.

“That’s probably what they [Newport] planned on looking at us and it probably fell into their hands, or the way they wanted to play the game, so [it’s] disappointing.”