Express & Star

Harrogate Town vs Walsall : Opportunity knocks amid Jamille Matt's suspension

Mat Sadler insists Jamille Matt's suspension will open up the chance for someone else to shine against Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road tomorrow.

Published

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Matt will serve a one-match suspension when the League Two leaders travel to North Yorkshire aiming to extend their 10-match unbeaten league run. 

The experienced frontman picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Walsall's 1-0 victory over Barrow at Bescot last Saturday, which propelled them four points clear of second-place Vale at the summit with a game in hand. 

Walsall will also be without George Hall who has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury but Sadler is confident with the options at his disposal. 

"It certainly is (a chance for others) and I look forward to seeing the guys that we choose on Saturday. We've got good options," Sadler noted.

"Jamma is clearly a fantastic figure in the way that he plays but it's another great opportunity for other people to stand up."

He continued on the competition across midfield: "Oisin went into midfield the other day as well. I think we've got him to use when we need and Taylor Allen can go into there too. 

"We've got plenty of options in there and we're going to need everyone. There's a lot of games and everyone is going to be needed and will need to play their part."

Sadler has not changed the front pairing of Nathan Lowe and Matt in the league since the defeat at MK Dons in September but either Danny Johnson or Albert Adomah will be presented with a rare chance to stake a claim. 

Johnson last started a league game in January and Adomah has not featured from the start in League Two since the 1-0 win over Morecambe on opening day.

It's been over three months since Walsall last tasted defeat on the road as they head to Harrogate boasting a six-match unbeaten away run in League Two. 

Walsall are just six points shy of the tally they amassed on their travels last term (23) while Tommy Simkin will be aiming to become the first Walsall goalkeeper to keep four away league clean sheets on the spin in 31 years. 

Despite topping the table for the first time since their League Two title-winning campaign under Richard Money in 2006, Sadler is keen to maintain an air of calmness within the dressing room.

He continued: "I don't try and get too caught up in anything. But not even that, that's who I am and I just try to be myself most importantly. 

"Listen, you celebrate some goals more than others, especially if they're getting you towards three points. 

"But I just like to reflect as much as I can and bring a calmness to the lads because we've got a job to do. 

"The moment you think you think you've cracked anything in football, you know that that's not the case. There's always that room and there's always those challenges that we'll face."