Sadler proud of 'brilliantly organised' Walsall
Charlie Lakin celebrates putting the Saddlers ahead at St Andrew's early in the second half
- Published
Mat Sadler said he was proud of his "brilliantly organised" Walsall side following their eye-catching EFL Trophy win at Birmingham City.
The Saddlers went 1-0 up at St Andrew’s on Tuesday and despite Blues levelling late on, withstood pressure to prevail on penalties.
Sadler’s side are second in League Two after three wins in four and they also progressed on penalties in the EFL Cup to book a tie at home to Premier League Leicester.
“It is a proud night. The place is changing. Everyone in football is starting to take note of this club [Birmingham City]. Over the next few years we’ll see that even more," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.
After a goalless first half, Charlie Lakin fired the Saddlers ahead on the break against his former club.
Christoph Klarer levelled from a corner on 84 minutes but Walsall’s defence held firm against a star-studded attack and Sam Hornby made two saves to win the shootout in the Southern Group A opener.
Sadler said: “They are a hell of a team. We knew coming here was going to be really difficult – and we had nine out today.
“We knew we were going to have to be brilliantly organised and when we got our opportunities we had to take them.
“It was an incredibly good performance, I thought. A different way of winning, different from what we’ve seen in the league. We’re going to have to be that and do that in many games this season.”
Mat Sadler's side have now won both their cup encounters on penalties this season after beating Exeter in the EFL Cup
Walsall were backed by more than 1,000 fans who made the 12-mile journey – including the head coach's parents.
He said: “I’m just delighted to give the supporters the evening we did. I saw my mum and dad - it’s quite a nice moment so for me, it’s nice I have given them that.”
Walsall head to MK Dons on Saturday seeking to maintain their strong start.
Sadler added: “It’s another really tough game at a big stadium against a team who want to pass through the thirds.
“We’ll have to count the bumps and bruises and hope everyone came through this ok.”