Walsall saw their participation in the 2025/26 edition of the Carabao Cup come to an end at the first time of asking, as Stoke City won a post-match penalty shoot-out at the bet365 Stadium.
After playing out a goalless draw in normal time, the Saddlers scored three of their five spot-kicks, whilst the Potters netted four times to overcome their visitors and secure a place in Round Two.
Speaking to the assembled media shortly after full-time, Mat Sadler insisted he was proud of his players as, despite him making ten changes, they were able to hod their own against much-fancied opposition.
Sadler said: "Very pleased. The guys put together what we wanted to do in the game.
"I watched their game on Saturday, and they were very good in possession. They've created themselves a style that maybe hasn't been here for a little while.
"So we knew we'd have to be very good out of possession, which we were. We wanted to steal it and transition on them.
"The only disappointment is that we didn't take one of the opportunities that came our way, but I have to be very proud of the performance that everyone put in.
"A proper shift with loads of stories from our perspective in terms of we made ten changes to the team and there were a couple of EFL debuts in the back-line."
Quotes: Express & Star.