Mat Sadler calls for Walsall "reaction" after Barrow defeat

Aaron Pressley opened the scoring in the 22nd-minute after pouncing on a rebound from his own shot to convert from close-range. 

Emile Acquah doubled the Bluebirds' lead in second half stoppage time to extend the Saddlers' winless run to 10 games. 

Walsall remain in the final automatic promotion spot, although Doncaster, who trail Walsall by just a single point, travel to Salford City for their game in hand on Tuesday. 

Sadler said: "Of course [I can understand the frustration from the fans] because we would love to be in better form and we would love to be winning some of the games that we should've won in the previous weeks. 

"But we aren't now and the repeat for me is that you have to use frustration, you have to use setbacks, you have to use all of these things for motivation. 

"Just as much as you're not a world-beating team one week, we can't move and say we're the world's worst team the second week. 

"We have to remain steady with that but it's for everyone, we need a reaction in terms of that energy and to take the shackles off a little bit more."

Sadler made six changes from the team which began their 3-2 defeat against Port Vale at Bescot last weekend. 

Donervon Daniels was handed his first league start since the Saddlers' 2-2 home draw against Bromley on November 26. 

Ellis Harrison returned from a hamstring injury while Tommy Simkin, Connor Barrett, Brandon Comley and Charlie Lakin were also recalled. 

Walsall failed to register a single shot on target but Sadler insists the opportunity is still there for Walsall to seize.

"I recognised after Port Vale that it was an emotional game for the us and we maybe wanted to bring that little bit of experience to the occasion that we thought would help," Sadler explained.

"It didn't have the desired effect. We have to go away, watch the game and review it. 

"Then we'll decide what we think is the best way to approach the next game which we know is going to be another tough cup final. 

"I think it's important to recognise that we've put ourselves in the position to be disappointed because of what we've done so far this season. We cannot lose sight of that and we also need to lose sight of where we are. 

"The opportunities are still there for us and they're a big. I don't think anyone has pulled away. We need to start picking up those wins that we've craved for the last few games and the next one is an important game."