Mat Sadler hails Walsall character after twice coming from behind to earn point

Mat Sadler hailed the character of his Walsall players as they twice came from behind to grab a share of the spoils from a 2-2 League Two draw at Bromley.

A Ben Thompson strike had given Bromley an early lead but Levi Amantchi’s goal on the stroke of half time ensured the teams went in level.

It was a similar story in the second 45 as Harry McKirdy restored Bromley’s lead before Jamille Matt rescued a point 20 minutes from time.

Sadler said “That was the resilience and heart that I wanted to see from my side. I had to freshen things up today as the games are coming thick and fast in the home stretch and I think everyone acquitted themselves well.

“We have some unbelievable options at our disposal and we’ll need everyone to get us over the line.

“Without trying to single anyone out, I thought Oisin McEntee was immense and brilliant in both boxes. He adds a real attacking option for us on the right side of the defence. The only downside was the second goal we conceded but overall I’m pleased with the performance”.

The game got off to a quick start with a goal in the opening 10 minutes. Good work from Cameron Congreve saw him feed Thompson and the midfielder fired home from 20 yards.

It took Walsall a while to work their way into the game and former Bromley boy Amantchi was to level the game up with an equaliser on the stroke of half-time with a nice turn and finish.

The second 45 saw Bromley again take an early lead, second-half substitute McKirdy latched on to Michael Cheek’s through ball before brilliant lobbing Sam Hornby.

Walsall came roaring back, equalising with 20 minutes to go. Matt got on the end of a fantastic Connor Barrett cross to flick home beyond Grant Smith.

Although both sides pressed at the end for a late winner neither could find it as they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Ravens manager Andy Woodman was equally pleased with the quality of his side’s performance

He said: “I thought we played some excellent football tonight and gave everyone a reminder that we can play some really good stuff. We were disappointed with the goals we conceded but that said I also thought we were good for the win.

He added: “The reality is that Walsall are top of the table for a reason and I think they showed that in some key moments and why we’ve only come away with a draw.

“Going forward as good as this performance was my target reminds the same which is to beat these managers and these clubs. We gave a good account of ourselves in front of the Sky cameras and we take the positives that we’ve essentially matched and bettered the league leaders.”