Mat Sadler bemoans referee decisions as Walsall go down to Fleetwood

Frustrated boss Mat Sadler felt Walsall were “let down by the ref” after Fleetwood hung on for a gritty 1-0 win at the Bescot.

Mark Helm’s 15th-minute strike was enough for the Cod Army to make it five games without defeat under interim head coach Matt Lawlor, stretching Walsall’s winless home streak to six in the process.

But unlike recent meek displays, the Saddlers played with purpose and really put the squeeze on, particularly late in the first half.

Sadler was unhappy over a big call in the 31st minute when Charlie Lakin battled to bundle in Jamie Jellis’ swing across goal only to have a foul given against him.

Aaron Pressley then had a point-blank effort blocked in front of the line and an Evan Weir delivery across goal just evaded him late in the first half.

Walsall didn’t muster quite the same intensity after the break but there was another big call when Jid Okeke’s cross hit the outstretched arm of Finley Potter in the box 66 minutes in.

“We got let down by the ref,” said Sadler.

“There was a clear penalty on Charlie, Evan Weir got elbowed in the back of the head right in front of the referee from their corner. I didn’t (clearly) see the handball in the second half but it looked like it.

“It was disappointing but taking the things you can’t control out of it, that was a very good performance. The only frustration was we gave them something to hold on to, we have to be better there.

“That’s how we play, we are very much back to that trend and we will win a lot more games than we lose playing like that.

“We have to keep believing that performances bring you results. Getting that first goal was key, we couldn’t quite break it down in the end but on another day we win that comfortably. It just wasn’t to be.”

Fleetwood defended resolutely and had their moments with wing-back Ethan Ennis, who cut back for Helm’s close-range finish, grazing the bar from beyond the far post with 14 minutes left.

Lawlor was buzzing with his side’s showing.

“With a big stadium and big support like this, it can feel a bit on top at times but we rode it well,” he said.

“We were really good for the first 20-25 minutes and defended really well for 95 minutes. I’m really pleased with the outcome and the defensive performance.

“There are a few bits we can tidy up on in possession, which is a big part of our game these days, but three clean sheets in four games is a big stat for us.

“It is something we need to keep going because that’s how you do bits in this league and have success.”