Express & Star

Mat Sadler reacts after Walsall move nine points clear at the top with Doncaster win

Mat Sadler was pleased with Walsall's "desire" to score more goals as they stretched their lead at the top to nine points with a fifth league win in a row over Doncaster Rovers at Bescot.

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Nathan Lowe extended his tally to 14 goals across all competitions when he opened the scoring two minutes after the restart. 

The teenager received a low cross from Connor Barrett and buried his finish beyond Doncaster goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe. 

Jamie Jellis was denied by Sharman-Lowe and Harry Williams hit the post as Walsall continued to go in search for a second. 

And Williams eventually doubled their advantage with a thumping header from Jamie Jellis' free-kick delivery. 

That not only extended Walsall's lead at the top but created an 11-point buffer between themselves and fourth-place Crewe Alexandra. 

Sadler said: "They changed the way that they have been playing and I always say to the players that I can tell you and give you the best preparation possible but the opposition might change what they've been doing. 

"That's what they did and we probably had to adjust and adapt. It was a tight first half with both teams giving it a good go. The game really opened up with the first goal and we spoke at half-time about continually repeating what our strengths are. 

"The all-round work ethic, I thought we got stronger as the game went on and showed a real desire to score more goals. On another day we probably would've done so it was a really pleasing performance."

Walsall kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league for the first time since 2014 with Tommy Simkin preserving his latest shutout with a late save to deny Josh Emmanuel. 

In fact, the Saddlers have not conceded a first half goal since the 2-2 draw against Chesterfield on October 5.