Mat Sadler lauds Walsall ‘character’ after snatching draw at Doncaster

Walsall manager Mat Sadler hailed the ‘heart and desire’ of his side as they rescued a late point in a 2-2 draw at promotion rivals Doncaster to remain top of League Two.

Danny Johnson’s 90th-minute header saw the Saddlers peg Doncaster back for a second time to earn the draw at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Luke Molyneux put Rovers ahead only for Taylor Allen to draw Walsall level almost immediately during the first half.

It looked as though Billy Sharp had won the game for the hosts only for Johnson to pounce late on.

Sadler felt it was another demonstration of the character his side will need to cross the promotion finishing line.

“It’s the fun time, the exciting time and the time we’ve done all of it for,” he said. “It’s the hard yards that you put in every single morning.

“We’re trying to enjoy it and I won’t have it any other way. We’ll approach it with smiles on our faces and we’ll attack every bit.

“From our side of things, we’re hugely proud of the reaction and resilience and response.

“We probably feel there is a point or two that we’ve left behind but I’m sure Doncaster will feel the same and it’s probably a fair result.

“I thought we played some very good stuff at times and we’re showing that heart, desire and character you need.

“I thought it was a good advertisement for two of the top teams in the division. You could see that with the way the game was played with real quality to it. Both teams gave their all.”

Doncaster manager Grant McCann was frustrated by the manner in which his side had twice let a lead slip but was pleased with many aspects of the performance.

Rovers remain outside the top three but have a game in hand over all their promotion rivals.

“Particularly in the second half, we were in control,” McCann said.

“We didn’t give them many opportunities and we didn’t have many ourselves and I knew it was going to be a game like that because of the way Walsall play.

“When we do get an opportunity, we score a tremendous goal with an excellent finish from Billy as he’s done all of his career.

“Then the one time in the game where we don’t pick the second ball up, it gets recycled out to Albert Adomah, the cross comes in and they score from it.

“A typical Walsall goal and what they’re brilliant at. It’s frustrating.

“All in all, I’m disappointed we haven’t won given the positions we were in. But it was a good game and we stood up well to a really good Walsall team.”