Express & Star

Mat Sadler delighted following FA Cup win

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Mat Sadler says it was a "proud" day for the football club after Walsall beat League One outfit Bolton Wanderers at Bescot in the FA Cup first round.

Josh Sheehan opened the scoring for the visitors with a curling free-kick into the top corner just 10 minutes after the interval.

Liam Gordon equalised against his former employers when he latched on to a long ball from Tommy Simkin to rifle a powerful half volley beyond the reach of Luke Southwood.

Jamie Jellis struck the post with a scooped effort but found the net with a dramatic stoppage winner when he kept his composure to slot home Nathan Lowe's assist for his third goal in four games.

That win booked Walsall's place in the FA Cup second round for the fourth season in a row. Meanwhile, Bolton became the third League One side to be knocked out of cup competitions by the Saddlers this term following their successes over Exeter City and Huddersfield Town respectively in the Carabao Cup

."The amount of supporters that were here today. The biggest attendance for a first round FA Cup game at Bescot and I love that because fair play to the club for putting an incentive out there to get supporters in and they really followed that," Sadler said.

"We've had some good ones and when it's here under the lights, it's a hell of a place to come and it's a difficult place for opposition to come.

"They all loving being with each other. Their attitude is infectious, they work so hard for each other, they work so hard for the team.

"If we have any setbacks then we just want to ride through them when they come and just keep going. Today was another example of that.

"I'm pleased and proud for the football club today because we all came together. No doubt about it, if you finish above them (Bolton) this season. I think there's only Birmingham in that division that can maybe lay claim for being a better team.

"Brandon Comley missed out on the squad due to illness while Ryan Stirk also had to come off on the half-hour after struggling with illness.Harry Williams was forced off with a bloodied head late on after suffering a nasty collision with the advertising hoarding.

Williams returned to his feet after the incident but has gone to hospital following the game and Sadler has sent his best wishes to the defender.

"The only thing that was disappointing today was Harry. That didn't look nice and touch wood and god bless that everything is OK and we can get him speedily back."He was outstanding again today. Not nice to see what happened there but he's got all our thoughts and wishes and he's in the best care now."

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