Walsall boss Mat Sadler has admitted his side “weren’t at their best” following a 5-1 defeat to Norwich City in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup. Speaking to BBC Radio WM after the match at Carrow Road, Sadler was candid about the challenges his team faced and the gulf in quality on the […]
Walsall boss Mat Sadler has admitted his side “weren’t at their best” following a 5-1 defeat to Norwich City in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM after the match at Carrow Road, Sadler was candid about the challenges his team faced and the gulf in quality on the day.
“I thought their striker [Jovon Makama] was absolutely amazing on the day, he was too hot for us to handle unfortunately. He’s someone I’ve liked and known of for a long time, and you can see he’s going to go on and have a really good career.”
Walsall started brightly, but a few early mistakes quickly put them behind.
“I thought we started quite brightly and then just a few punches on the nose later, before you know it, a couple of mistakes later and you’re 2-0 down. That made it really tough for us. At that point, you’re trying to get some pressure on the ball but knowing as soon as we’re getting pressure on the ball, we’re getting played around on this day.”
Sadler acknowledged that matches against Championship sides are very different from Walsall’s regular League Two schedule.
“Fortunately we don’t come up against opposition like this too much during the season, they’re very different games in our League Two schedule.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Sadler praised his squad and supporters for their efforts in the competition.
“Credit to the lads for the journey we’ve been on in this competition, and to supporters who have travelled to Eastleigh, Gateshead and then here. We didn’t get that big home tie and when you come away to a Championship team, it’s always going to be very difficult.”
While Walsall’s FA Cup run has ended, the Saddlers now turn their attention to League Two and the Vertu Motors Trophy, with a last-16 tie against Northampton on Wednesday. Sadler believes the game offers important lessons for his squad:
“These are the games that show the level we need to reach, and the players will take lessons from this.”
