Mat Sadler has urged Walsall fans to stay behind their team despite growing fears that the Saddlers are on the verge of throwing away promotion after another disappointing result.
Walsall’s 2-2 draw against Harrogate Town at the Bescot Stadium on Good Friday extended their worrying winless streak to eleven matches. Since Nathan Lowe’s departure in January, the Saddlers have managed just three wins in 2025, watching a once-promising campaign teeter towards disaster.
Sadler Calls for Unity Amid Growing Discontent
Against Harrogate, Walsall looked set to steady the ship when they went ahead through a Connor Barrett effort deflected in by Anthony O’Connor. However, once again, defensive lapses cost them dearly. Josh March levelled for Harrogate before half-time, and after the break, Ellis Taylor’s deflected shot put the visitors ahead.
Although Liam Gordon rescued a point late on, the mood at the Bescot was unmistakably sour, with boos greeting the full-time whistle. Sadler, clearly hurt by the reception, called for unity in his post-match comments.
“We’re fighting for the club, for everything. We’re fighting to achieve something. I don’t like hearing boos, of course I don’t. I don’t think that that helps us move forward, but I understand the frustration that we’re not twenty points clear, but we are where we are,” said Sadler.
Despite a late flurry and dominance in possession, Walsall failed to impose themselves for long periods, looking fragile at the back and blunt in attack — a worrying theme that has defined their faltering second half of the season.
The club’s inability to replace Lowe’s goals has contributed heavily to their downfall. Since his departure, the Saddlers have lacked a clinical edge, while defensive mistakes have repeatedly undermined their efforts.
From a team once fighting for automatic promotion, Walsall now find themselves battling simply to stay in the play-off race. With just three games left, Sadler’s men are under immense pressure to deliver a strong finish.
Sadler’s rallying cry to fans was heartfelt, but only victories will bring back the feel-good factor that once surrounded the team earlier in the campaign.
Site Opinion
Walsall’s season is at serious risk of ending in bitter disappointment. Mat Sadler’s loyalty to his players and belief in the collective fight is commendable, but the alarming post-Lowe collapse cannot be ignored. The Saddlers must find another gear — and fast — or they could face another year marooned in League Two after letting a golden opportunity slip away.
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