'We need to dig in' - Mat Sadler on Walsall's defeat at Bristol Rovers
Mat Sadler has called for Walsall to "dig in" after their challenging period was compounded by a 2-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers.
Quickfire goals from Yusuf Akhamrich and Kofi Balmer did the damage just past the hour-mark, as Walsall extended their winless run in League Two to four games.
The Saddlers have collected just six points from a possible 24 in League Two, which has seen them drop from the league summit into seventh
"We've got to dig in" - Sadler on recent results
"I'd spin in that we were four unbeaten before that. You're going to say it like that, but that's the case from my point of view," boss Sadler said.
"We'll go again and try to win the next game. At any stage of the season, you have these little moments.
"Every team has them, or has had them, and we've just got to dig in and come the other side."
Walsall conceded twice in the space of seven minutes in their previous draw at Chesterfield and were undone once again by another two goals in quick succession.
But Sadler refused to be overly critical of the performance which he felt was positive in many aspects.
Sadler staying positivity amid challenging period
"Frustrating result but I'm always going to be err on the side of positivity," he continued.
"I thought for large parts of the game I was very pleased with what I've seen and we came in at half-time very pleased.
"The lads felt very positive with the performance and we wanted to make sure that there was more of the same.
"I spoke about that moment coming our way, but unfortunately we blinked first in the game.
"They took their moment. We weren't in control of possession and just slightly opened out, then they took that chance.
"The lad hits a spectacular goal for the second one and before you know it we're 2-0 down, which was tough."
Jid Okeke, who re-joined Walsall for his second loan spell on deadline day, was not registered in time to feature in the squad.
Sadler made three changes in total - including Albert Adomah who shook off a knee issue to start.
He replaced the injured Jamille Matt, as Priestley Farquharson and Mason Hancock were recalled at the expense of Evan Weir and Vincent Harper.
Issues in front of goal continue
The Saddlers have draw blanks in four of their six league games in 2026 - including three of their last four.
Walsall flipped between a 3-1-4-2 and a 3-4-3 with Courtney Clarke and Adomah peeling wide at times.
Sadler has also inverted his midfield in previous games and insists he will keep trying to find a formula to improve the numbers in front of goal.
"It's difficult to say and if you could put your finger on it that would be great," he added.
"Trying a few different things, trying to get people into different areas. Like we did with Courtney and Albert, and move the ball into areas that we can try and expose their back-line.
"Which we did for large parts of it but then that last little bit wasn't there today and the opposition threw their bodies on the line."
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