Walsall debrief: Concerning trend, bigger picture, and Mat Sadler's century

However, late goals from substitutes George Miller and Jordan Thomas helped Cheltenham rescue a point. 

Here, we take a look at the biggest talking points from the draw in Gloucestershire.

A concerning trend 

Walsall looked on course for victory. Adomah had just capitalised on a gift from Sam Stubbs to score his 99th professional goal as an away end of 1,083 bounced to the tune of a third consecutive maximum points. 

But the pendulum can swing so quickly in football and it unfortunately swung in the favour of the hosts. Walsall traded control for chaos with Miller rising above Liam Gordon to bring the very best out of Tommy Simkin with a towering header. 

The Saddlers failed to heed the warning. Suddenly, Cheltenham were on the front foot and a late gesture of defiance quickly became the catalyst for a rousing comeback. 

Miller was Walsall's tormentor in chief once again. A shot from distance deflected fortuitously into his path and the former Saddlers striker was able to sneak away from Gordon with ease to drill a low volley into the bottom corner. 

It was concerning how easily the Walsall defence was unpicked. Jamie Jellis failed to clear Ethan Archer's low throw and Thomas was afforded an abyss of space on the edge of the box to run on to the loose ball and rifle his deflected effort into the top corner.

Walsall have dropped points from winning positions in three of their last five games. They led at Colchester earlier this month and lost 2-1. Then three days later, they hit the front against Gillingham but had to settle for a point. 

This will be a trend that Mat Sadler will need to arrest as Walsall look to maintain their lead at the summit over the course of the final 13 games.

The bigger picture 

Mat Sadler and Albert Adomah both emphasized the importance of seeing the bigger picture at full-time. 

After all, Walsall sit seven points clear at the League Two summit and are unbeaten in four league games. 

Yet the manner in which they surrendered a two-goal lead did feel somewhat like a defeat and a response against Swindon Town on Saturday is needed. 

Midfield dynamics 

Aside from the closing stages, Walsall produced a solid away performance and Brandon Comley was at the heart of everything good. 

Comley was an important fulcrum in the centre of the park, reading the play expertly and sweeping up any sign of danger. 

Jellis hovered with intent between the lines and Ryan Stirk smartly alternated between the 'six' and 'eight' roles. 

However, perhaps an injection of energy was needed as the contest wore on, and Charlie Lakin, available after recovering from illness, could've been an option from the bench. 

Sadler reaches Walsall century 

Sadler reached a century of games in the dugout for Walsall and came up against the man he replaced in Michael Flynn. 

Walsall have come so far since Sadler succeeded Flynn in the summer of 2023, although he was quick to assure that he has achieved nothing yet.