Mat Sadler hails ‘very professional performance’ as Walsall progress in FA Cup

Walsall manager Mat Sadler hailed a “very professional performance” after his side claimed a 2-0 win at National League Gateshead to secure a place in Monday’s FA Cup third-round draw.

The Saddlers always appeared to be in control against a home side struggling at the bottom end of non-league’s top tier and they got the lead they deserved just after the midway point of the first half.

Daniel Kanu was the man to open the scoring as the forward converted from the penalty spot after home captain Kenton Richardson had upended Ryan Finnigan in the area.

A second goal arrive just two minutes into the second half when veteran defender Aden Flint directed a cross from the left beyond Gateshead goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks.

That was enough to allow the Saddlers to coast through the second 45 minutes to secure their place in third round – although their manager felt their win in the North East could have been more comfortable.

Speaking after the win, Sadler added: “It was a very, very good performance. I thought would could have scored more.

“Maybe the only disappointment was, after we scored we maybe breathed a little bit and took our foot of it after we got the first.

“The players did what we needed to do today, it was a very professional performance.”

With their FA Cup run now at an end, Gateshead will focus on their attempts to preserve their National League status and manager Alun Armstrong believes his side can take heart from their performance against the League Two leaders.

“We have got to take the positives from it,” said the former Middlesbrough and Ipswich striker.

“You look, we came up against a team full of confidence, they knew exactly what they were doing and we knew it was going to be tough.

“We knew we needed a bit of luck to win the game but it wasn’t to be.”