'We push on' Walsall fan verdict after crucial comeback draw against Salford

Walsall Fan TV

Walsall made the worst possible start and conceded early again. The void left by Jamma once again proved what a massive player he is for us. Walsall did get into gear but the final ball/shot was lacking again. 

I must mention the referees, it seems lately as if they are trying to balance up the league which was once again frustrating. The seven minutes added on was a tad light but when Salford held off restarting play for the last 2 minutes of normal time and the first minute on injury time, that clever tactic passed him by.

As for the second half onslaught, Walsall had to bide their time and after late goals could have won it with another couple of minutes, but to rescue a point when two down with 15 to play. It is a valuable point and stopped what would have been a confidence sapping third consecutive defeat. We push on!

 Roberto Petrucco (Yellow Ribbon Podcast) 

 Sadler has said all season that he would need the whole squad if we are to achieve anything this season, and the DJ steps up to prove his point. 

We needed something to stop the slump we were in, which given it was only two and a half games sounds dramatic compared with some winless runs of previous years, but that comeback will hopefully spark a run that means we keep the chasing pack at bay. 

I think the Salford game has shown we need to be using the squad depth wisely. The defence seems to be leaking goals, and bringing in the likes of Evan Weir or playing Oisin McEntee and giving others in the defence a chance to rest for a game may help them in the end of season run-in. 

Up top, we now have different strikers for different scenarios, and as Sadler mentioned in his post-match interview, he felt the game needed DJ. This means we can start be a little less predictable with our strikers, and the opposition won't know who we will be starting, and equally, mid-match changes like against Salford, could be key in changing the fortunes in matches.

One thing I have mentioned a lot is character. Most teams wouldn't have the fighting spirit to come back after the second goal was conceded, but Walsall have character in abundance, and if they can continue to show it then we won't have to worry about blips any more.

Vital Walsall

It could be a valuable and crucial point come the end of the season. Massive character shown from the Saddlers which has been evident in our performances this season, fighting until the end. 

In terms of the performance levels, we were nowhere near our best again. Our Achilles heel at the moment is conceding early goals in the first half. In our last four games, we have conceded in the first 15 minutes which is a real problem.

Teams have recognised we grow into games in the second half so put us under pressure first half, something we need to overcome. 

The subs made a massive impact. I thought Levi Amantchi and Danny Johnson changed the game. It looks like they could form a good partnership up front.

Gordon and Wheatley offered us nothing when they started. DJ getting the two goals is great to see and showed what he does best, getting in the positions to score goals. With his celebrations and waving to the fans, could this be a goodbye? 

Hopefully not because I still believe he’s the best striker and goal scorer we have at the football club. We’ll see what develops tomorrow. Overall it’s a point gained in terms of how the game played out but two dropped in terms of the table. 

Standards have got to be raised next Saturday. UTS! 

Tom Bowen 

Walsall showed brilliant character to get back into the game on Saturday, and it looks like the small blip may have come to an end. 

It certainly didn't look that way four minutes in when Cole Stockton gave Salford the lead, but it was excellent that the fans got right behind the team immediately after Salford's goal, which was exactly what was necessary to help the team progress. 

With Walsall down at half time, despite dominating the half with chances, you could feel the atmosphere in the stadium with the fans encouraging the players on. 

Even Salford grabbing a second goal in the 75th minute didn't put the Saddlers out of sight as Danny Johnson grabbed two goals for Walsall, which is the least they deserved. 

New signing Levi Amantchi looked promising when he came on and almost scored with his first touch. There's still plenty for Walsall fans to pleased about, and with Mat Sadler expecting no further movement in the window, it promises to be an exciting run-in to end the season. 

Dave Evans 

 What a game this was!  From another annoying early setback - we really do need to be switched on from the first minute to the last - to a seemingly lost cause at 0-2 down, to a great comeback which got Bescot rocking. 

Stockton was allowed the freedom of Bescot for Salford's first but we kept plugging away and young Evan Wheatley was unlucky when his effort hit the post. 

The save from Tommy Simkin in the second half was nothing short of brilliant. A throwback to Gordon Banks's save against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup!

Salford's second from Adelakun again highlighted our defensive frailties which not so long ago wasn't an issue. However, Mat Sadler's substitutions worked a treat. 

Levi Amantchi could have scored with his first shot in a Walsall shirt and showed glimpses of what he is all about in the game time he had. Our first goal came from an excellent cross from Evan Weir and Danny Johnson did well to stab the ball home from close range. 

Excitement levels were already off the dial before DJ somehow got his second from a corner which their manager Karl Robinson claimed was a foul on their keeper! 

Walsall's fifteen corners forced to their one tells its own story. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when the fourth official put 7 minutes on the board. I thought there should have been a one before the seven, such was Salford's blatant and obvious time wasting tactics from the moment they scored their first. 

 As Sadler rightly said in his post match, each and every goal kick was taking up to 40 seconds. Besides all of that, with combined substitutions hitting double figures to allow a measly seven was an absolute joke. Saddlers would surely have found a winner if the correct amount was applied.