Walsall will learn from 'crazy' second half - Sadler

Mat Sadler guided Walsall to an 11th-placed finish in League Two in his first season in charge in 2023-24

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler said his side will learn from a "crazy" second half in their shock 6-2 home defeat by Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.

The Saddlers' 100% winning record at home in League Two disappeared after half-time when their 2-1 lead crumbled away as Fleetwood scored five times to cap a fine comeback.

Sadler's side missed the chance to go top of the table as a result but, after their excellent start to the season, are still well placed in third, one point off early leaders Gillingham.

"From the evidence of what we've seen so far this season, that was a jolt," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"It was a really strange second half and we've got to move on really, really quickly.

"We dust ourselves down and go again."

Walsall came into the game having already beaten Morecambe, Cheltenham Town, Bradford City and Colchester United at the Bescot Stadium this season, scoring nine goals and conceding only two.

But, after goals from Harry Williams and Jamille Matt twice put them in front against Fleetwood, they could not hold on as the visitors ran riot after the break.

"We know we've been fantastic at home but it doesn't owe you anything," Sadler said.

"It was a crazy second half from our perspective and it sucked the life out of us.

"We went for it at 4-2 to get back in the game, but then they go back up the other end and make it 5-2 and it changes again."

'It's all about the reaction now'

Walsall's early season success has been achieved with the talent of their younger players, including on-loan goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, 19, and defenders David Okagbue, who turns 21 on Saturday, and Williams, 20, who put his side 1-0 up on Tuesday.

But Sadler is not concerned that the nature of the result will adversely affect his players and knows how he will handle them.

"It's continual reminders of everything they've done well," he said.

"It's an experience for some of the younger ones but they've also done really well for us so I won't be getting too carried away with defeat.

"We have to learn from it and drive through those moments when they happen again and remain together and positive.

"It's all about the reaction now. That has to be a marker that we can reset and go again from."