Walsall boss says FA Cup defeat to Charlton was an 'anomaly'
Mat Sadler described Walsall’s heavy defeat against Charlton that saw them out of the FA Cup as an ‘anomaly’ in their season.
The Saddlers have enjoyed a superb start to League Two so far, sitting second as strong promotion contenders and eying top spot.
But, despite that and an unbeaten record against third tier sides this season entering last Saturday’s FA Cup second round clash, Nathan Jones’ Charlton proved too strong and clinical for the Saddlers.
Two goals from Gassan Ahadme added to Matty Godden’s strike into an empty net and Tyreece Campbell’s cool finish to inflict defeat on Walsall.
Boss Mat Sadler said: “I think today is an anomaly, in terms of that we were playing a team from the division above.
“I heard that their budget is five times ours and they have players that can hurt you.
“We have been brilliant this season so far with cup games here, and unfortunately we didn’t get the rub of the green.
“Everyone who came to the game came hoping and expecting a bit of an upset but it wasn’t to be and we feel like we have missed an opportunity.
“But, we move on very quickly. Win, lose or draw, we move on quickly.”
Walsall’s FA Cup exit means their attention shifts solely to League Two and the EFL Trophy.
The Saddlers welcome Notts County to Bescot on Tuesday before visiting Port Vale next Saturday.
“This is an isolated game against tough League One opposition,” Sadler added. “Now we move on from it and the Cup and go into Tuesday night looking forward to it and we want to get back into that league action.
“In the same way after a good performance or victory, it is always about the next one.
"I will always be consistent about that.
“There weren’t too many difficult second round ties than what we ended up with.”
