Gateshead vs Walsall - preview: Mat Sadler looking to preserve record in FA Cup

Sadler also led the Saddlers to a 4-1 success at eighth-tier Sheppey United and beat Alfreton Town after a replay during his first season at the helm. 

In fact, Walsall have not suffered a cup upset against non-league opposition since suffering a 1-0 defeat against Macclesfield Town in November 2016. 

The Saddlers also progressed in the EFL Trophy earlier this week, after Rico Richards' match-winning double guided them to a 2-1 comeback win at Stevenage in the round of 32. 

Rico Richards 'knocking at the door'

Richards, along with Jake Hollman who registered an assist on his impressive cameo from the bench, have also propelled themselves into Sadler's thoughts ahead of the weekend.

"Rico has knocking my door metaphorically really in the way that he is training over the last three to four weeks. 

"There have been many times during that spell where it has been such a difficult conversation to leave him out of that 18. 

"Because I can't pinpoint something other than the group are doing well and his time will come. 

"He has certainly put out a reminder as to say I'm not going anywhere and I want to be a part of this. So I have to listen to that." 

Sadler "not getting ahead of himself" with Straw

17-year-old defender Stan Straw also impressed on his first senior start at Stevenage, after previously featuring three times from the bench in the group stage. 

Asked whether he could be involved in the FA Cup, Sadler is mindful of not getting too ahead of himself with the youngster, who he feels still has a lot of developing to do. 

"That's getting ahead of ourselves. We've just got to be careful with that and we've set out that we want to make sure that we highlight our young players in the EFL Trophy," he replied. 

"They have to be ready and they have to be suitable for maybe the positions we want to play them in. He has done himself no harm and he's having a very good season for the under-18s. 

"But he's a very young player, and god bless with a good career ahead of him. We've got to look after him. 

"He is one of those defenders, where I can see in three or four years time, that he'll be put bulk on, he'll get stronger, quicker and hopefully even more dominant."

Gateshead's league woes continue

Gateshead have not tasted victory in the National League since September 30 and have sunk to 21st following a run of five successive defeats. 

However, the Tynesiders did pull off an upset against League One opponents AFC Wimbledon after beating them 2-0 at Plough Lane in the previous round. 

Kain Adom has netted 11 goals in all competitions for Gateshead this term, while previous EFL regulars such as Kyle Hurst, Josh Butterfield, Dom Telford and Frank Nouble are also in their ranks. 

Full-back Max Melbourne, who made 20 appearances on loan at Walsall in 2021, also plays for Gateshead.