Walsall frontman Jamille Matt reveals message of 'redemption' in pre-Tranmere huddle

His penalty miss set the tone for a frustrating afternoon which saw Walsall fall to a 1-0 defeat despite dominating large periods of the contest in August.

Four months later, the experienced frontman led his troops to a club record eighth consecutive league win to keep the Saddlers galloping along nicely at the League Two summit. 

His brace brought up 100 Football League goals for the 35-year-old who has discovered a new lease of life under Mat Sadler. 

And fresh from scoring in the comeback win over Notts County on New Year's Day, Matt headed to Bescot with redemption on his mind.

"I'll be honest, I spoke to the lads about that during the huddle and it was something I probably drew on," he revealed.

"I was disappointed. I thought we played really well at Tranmere away and I think we were really unlucky to come away with a 1-0 defeat. 

"I was gutted because I felt responsible for missing the penalty. Listen, it happens, I've missed them before in my career but it's something I drew on. 

"So I told the lads that we owe them one after that result and I said, especially me. Hopefully I've gone some way to help that but it's something you can draw on. 

"You go through games where you come out the wrong side but that day our performance was really good and just the result went against us. 

"If we'd won 5-1 that day then there would've been no complaints so it was nice to get the rewards for what we should've had that day." 

The Saddlers streaked 12 points clear at the top of the table, with Ryan Stirk, Jamie Jellis and Nathan Lowe also getting on the score sheet. 

Lowe has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, and understandably so, but Matt had his moment in the spotlight on Saturday. 

His double extended his season tally to nine goals as he continues to prove that age is just a number in Walsall colours. 

And Matt feels the advice from sports scientist Jonathan Fenner and the wider staff at Essington coupled with his own personal regime has helped him stay in peak condition this season.  

He continued: "Credit for that goes to Fenners, our sports scientist, as well as our medical team, Ewan (Turnbull) and Meldrick (Gomes). All the staff to be honest. 

"The way the gaffer wants us to play is high intensity and its demanding but me personally, I know that's how I want to play. The older I get, I know it's a bit more challenging but I've got a responsibility to look after myself and I do look after myself away from the pitch to be able to do that. 

"But credit to Fenners because the way he keeps on top of us. There's times where you may not feel like it but that's when the discipline comes into it and the boys all hold each other accountable again and make sure we're doing the work that's needed. 

"And when you see how it comes out on a match day, you know that what it's telling you is the right thing."