Sadler hails Walsall character in 'minging' draw

Mat Sadler is in his second season in charge of Walsall

Walsall boss Mat Sadler says the high standards and excellent character in his squad helped them salvage a dramatic point against Bromley, in a match he described as "minging".

The Saddlers were trailing 2-1 deep into stoppage time when defender David Okagbue stabbed in a last-gasp equaliser.

The draw stretched the League Two promotion challengers' unbeaten run to seven games and keeps Sadler's side in second place, three points off leaders Port Vale - who they meet in their next away game on 7 December.

"At half-time, because they were trying to kill the game their tempo was low, I felt we tried to force it and maybe our tempo wasn't where we want it to be," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"So to come through it with a point in the manner we did at the end, I can't fail but be pleased with the heart and desire to keep going."

The draw was only the third time this season Walsall have failed to win at home in League Two.

After second-half goals from Michael Cheek and Danny Imray had wiped out Liam Gordon's early strike for Walsall, it looked like the a second defeat at the Banks' Stadium was on the cards before Okagbue saved a point.

Although it could have been worse, Sadler said there was very little celebrating in the dressing room at full-time.

"When I went in, it was deathly silent – and maybe you wouldn’t expect that because we’ve just had a last-minute equaliser," Sadler added.

"That’s because the group have set their standards.

"Let's be fair, that was minging - minging to watch and it wasn't what we've been accustomed to watching.

"The tempo was very slow with balls coming in from everywhere, with big lads with long throws. It slows everything down but you have to stand up to that.

“It was a horrible Tuesday night game so to come through it with a point in the manner we did, I can’t help but be pleased with the heart and desire the lads showed.

“Mentality-wise, we have some courage about us to not feel sorry about ourselves, to keep believing. The group deserve their little bits of luck because they give everything every day."