Mat Sadler felt Walsall "deserved" more in Gillingham draw

Jamille Matt had two of the best opportunities for Walsall in the first half but found Gillingham goalkeeper Glenn Morris in majestic form. 

Jellis was also denied by Morris while Charlie Lakin almost saw his audacious 35-yard lob dip into the net from the left touchline. 

Walsall looked solid in their shape, but lacked the clinical touch in front of goal, although Sadler felt there were plenty of positives to take from their draw.

"We had some really good moments in the game. There were two really good chances in the first half and it was pleasing to see us come on strong at the end of the game especially in the last 10 minutes. 

"There was a little bit of a stalemate in the second half. We wanted to try and upset the game, and we did so when we flipped it into a two and a one [two holding midfielders and an attacking midfielder].

"But I felt like they then got the ascendancy from that so we flipped it quickly back which helped us wrestle back the control of the game. 

"Lots of pleasing performances, really solid performances. There was only one thing missing in the game which was the goal. 

"We were the much better team, we could've and should've won the game but we'll take that forward." 

Bradford City beat Colchester United 4-1 to close the gap behind leaders Walsall to one-point although they remain six ahead of fourth spot.

Nathan Asiimwe was handed his first league start for Walsall with Connor Barrett starting his two-match suspension after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season at Bromley last week. 

The Charlton Athletic loanee played the full game despite his lack of minutes since arriving and showcased his quality with some good attacking play down the right.

"I thought Nathan grew into the game. He started a little bit tentatively but then really began to grow into it," he noted.

"First of all, Nathan is an unbelievable man. He's desperate to do well, desperate to learn. 

"He clearly keeps himself fit. The fact that he was able to play the full game is a credit to the work he does to keep himself right."

Sam Hornby started back-to-back games for Walsall in League Two for the first time with Tommy Simkin away on international duty with England under-21s. 

The 31-year-old preserved his clean sheet, and just Walsall's second shutout of 2025, with a crucial late save to deny Elliott Nevitt. 

"Cracking save. It does [give me a decision to make]. I thought Sam has done well, I really do," he added.

"He has shown that real experience, he has slowed the game down when needed and he kicked well. 

"Sam did everything I expected him to. He keeps himself in such good shape to be ready to play and I was really pleased with his contribution today."