Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn is taking positives from last night’s Papa John’s Trophy defeat to League One side Cheltenham Town and has called on everybody to stick together.
The Saddlers were left frustrated after having a number of penalty appeals waved away and falling two goals behind by half-time.
Danny Johnson pulled one back but Walsall couldn’t force an equaliser.
Flynn admitted that his side can’t continue to bemoan their luck but is keen to remain positive after seeing plenty of encouraging signs.
“I thought we played very well,” he said.
“We were the better team first half and went in 2-0 down. It’s almost the hard luck story but we can’t keep saying it.
“We have got to get back to winning ways. I’m not stupid, a couple of fans won’t be happy but I want them to stick with us because those players are giving everything and I know things will turn.
“It could have been four (penalties). I could probably say the one handball sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t but the other three were stonewall penalties. We’re not on a great run at the minute but what I saw, there are a lot of positives so I’m going to stay positive.
“Jack (Earing) was positive, I thought he did well, I thought they all did well. The amount of work they got through, they fought for each other and they stuck together.
“At 2-0 down they could have crumbled but I told them that’s one thing no team of mine will ever do and fair play to them, they came out and on a different night you win 6-2 because you had four penalties.
“I said it before this run, I’m not just saying it now, we need everybody to stick together. I appreciate everything the fans do, that’s why I do clap them every game.”
The Saddlers were handed a boost before the game as Liam Gordon was named on the substitutes bench after recovering from an injury he suffered on the first day of pre-season.
Flynn revealed the extent of the injury and applauded the defender for the way he’s handled an incredibly difficult situation.
“A big positive was Liam,” he commented.
“He’s had a tough time. He’s collapsed and at one point, I’m starting to worry about his life and then we were fearful that his career was going to be over, he might have lost his foot.
“There’s been some serious moments and we’ve kept that quiet to take the pressure off Liam and get him back when he’s ready to come back.
“He’s still got a lot to do fitness wise but I’m very proud of him with the way he’s kept his head. He’s a bit like us, when things are going against you, it’s not going to be a good ride but you come out the other side and that’s what I know we will do.”