Jordan Cook: My Walsall goal meant nothing

The 24-year-old scored the opener after being handed his first start in Saturday's game at Oldham – his first goal in senior football since he netted for Carlisle against Exeter in April 2012.

But the day ended in despair for Cook and his team-mates, as strikes from Conor Wilkinson and Mike Jones saw the Latics fight back to claim a 2-1 victory and end the Saddlers four-game unbeaten run.

Cook, who signed a two-year deal at the Banks's Stadium, in the summer, said: "I have very mixed emotions, especially being a striker, scoring a goal away from home and not going on to win the game.

"We're disappointed but I think, first-half, we weren't at it. As it was my first start, I think I've got to be happy with my own performance in general but I hate scoring and losing, because it means nothing."

Cook has had to wait for his chance since joining the Saddlers in the summer, after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.

He said: "It's been a massive frustration. You could see that with my celebration, everything just came out. Nine weeks basically working my backside off to get in.

"I had more minutes than expected against Bristol City and handled myself pretty well for that sort of game, did OK against Rochdale.

"When I found out I was getting my first start I was just buzzing. It's been a long wait for a goal for me personally as well."

Despite the defeat, the former Sunderland ace believes there were positives for the Saddlers to take into this Saturday's game against bottom-of-the-table Crewe.

He said: "Coming away you don't want to get beat, you want to be solid. But the chances we created, and the opportunities we had to score goals, is a positive going into the Crewe game."

Meanwhile, Walsall have been drawn at home to Sheffield United in the next round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The tie will take place the week beginning November 10.