Mat Sadler's finish is timely for left-back
Walsall ace Mat Sadler today revealed he plans to milk his moment after finally breaking his goalscoring duck.
Walsall ace Mat Sadler today revealed he plans to milk his moment after finally breaking his goalscoring duck.
The left-back netted his first senior goal on his 222nd career appearance in last night's vital 3-1 win over Colchester.
He fired the Saddlers 2-1 ahead just before the break after Emmanuel Ledesma cancelled out Anthony Wordsworth's super opener.
And after waiting so long for his surprise strike Sadler admitted he is ready for a coffee break.
"I had a few bets with people about scoring this season and they owe me coffees now so I'll have my Starbucks paid for today, Thursday and Friday and the rest of next week I think," smiled the 27-year-old.
"No-one ever texts me after the game but I had a look at my phone and I had numerous texts and missed calls.
"It's been a long time coming and this season the gaffer has been giving me all sorts of stick in training. He's given me a few rib ticklers but I'm pleased to get that first one.
"For the first three or four minutes I couldn't keep the ball in play so I was just happy to be involved in the game in a positive manner."
Sadler had earlier missed a one-on-one with U's keeper Ben Williams before firing the hosts ahead.
George Bowerman's second-half header completed the victory and former Birmingham ace Sadler admitted the result was crucial after it lifted Walsall out of the League One relegation zone.
"Mine was an important goal because it was just before half time. We'd conceded the first goal but Emmy's free kick was fantastic and our all round performance was fantastic," he said.
"It was a massive three points for us and even bigger considering we went 1-0 down so early on. The performance was good and it really sets us up for a big game at Rochdale on Saturday."