Walsall boss Mat Sadler believes Mo Faal’s late winner could be “gold dust” in the race for the League Two play-offs after his side revived their top-seven hopes by beating Salford 2-1.
The on-loan West Brom striker cut inside to lash the ball home in the third minute of second-half stoppage-time for his fourth goal since his January loan move, ending a four-game winless run for the Saddlers.
Salford midfielder Matty Lund had nodded home Ryan Watson’s cross to cancel out Jamille Matt’s early bullet header for the hosts before Faal popped up to win it at the death.
The victory ensured an immediate response to a 5-0 thrashing at MK Dons on Good Friday, putting Walsall three points off the play-off spots with games in hand on most of their rivals.
“It’s fair to say, it wasn’t vintage us,” said Sadler. “But the response was the most important thing. The game on Friday was sobering and the lads were desperate to put that right.
“We took a knockback by conceding but we kept on ploughing forward to try to get that win so I was delighted we all got that moment at the end. We got our rewards today.
“We’re getting to that time of the season where these late goals can be gold dust and mean a hell of a lot.
“Nothing was ever going to be decided today but, on the face of it, with the other results, it was important that we won.
“There will be loads of twists and turns to come but we are in the mix, we’re in the fight – we haven’t been in the fight for a few years as a football club.
“I don’t remember the last time we were in the fight for these play-off places so with six games to go, we’ve given ourselves a chance.”
Salford, meanwhile, are not safe from relegation as they sit nine points above the bottom two in 20th place but with sides below them picking up.
“No one likes losing but there are ways to lose,” said frustrated boss Karl Robinson.
“It’s a bitter one to take but it’s a learning process still, just trying to find that balance. I’ve seen more parts of our game that I liked than what I didn’t like.
“We dominated the football with some lovely moves. I thought we were very good and in the second half I thought we were the only team that was going to show any impetus to get a win.
“But then it’s silly, silly defending that’s cost us.
“If you looked at the game, I thought we dominated large parts of it and our energy levels looked incredible so I’m very proud from that point of view but I’m furious with the individual stupidity.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts T...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 3 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 4 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 9 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 10 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career