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Walsall's Darrell Clarke praises 'match winner' Wes McDonald 'after win over Crawley

Walsall manager Darrell Clarke felt his side 'deserved' their victory over Crawley Town after a late Wes McDonald strike sealed the three points.

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The Saddlers were unlucky to have gone into half time 1-0 down but an equaliser from Josh Gordon and McDonald's long-range wondergoal earned the Saddlers the win.

And Clarke was pleased to see his side come back from a losing position and win a game in the league for the first time.

"I thought first half we played particularly well to be honest," he said.

"We've probably had 35 minutes of the first half and they've had 10 minutes.

"They scored and we missed a couple opportunities.

"The second half was a little bit dull and we didn't move the ball quick enough at times.

"But then we took opportunity from Josh (Gordon) and then we're on the front foot."

McDonald's goal came from nowhere when the winger curled a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, sealing a 'deserved' win for Clarke's side.

"It's a great cross by Wes to win it," Clarke joked.

"I was having a laugh with the lads after saying 'great cross Wes, well done.'

"Wes can be a match winner, we know the quality he possesses.

"He's done that on a regular basis for us.

"He's dangerous when he gets the ball at his feet, it was a real great strike.

"I thought we deserved the win.

"I'm pretty honest in the assessment and I thought we edged the game

"Like most League Two games at the minute there's not a lot in it.

"We take massive positives that it's 21 points in 11 games now, that's top three form.

"We have to keep building on that and working away."