Ian Watson Praises Team's Mentality After Draw Against Walsall

Rochdale AFC managed to secure a valuable point in a 0-0 draw against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The match came just days after manager Ian Watson received a vote of confidence from the club following a difficult start to the League Two season, with only one win from their first five matches since promotion from the National League under previous manager Jimmy McNulty.

Despite Walsall dominating possession with 70% and registering 24 shots, Rochdale's defence held firm, limiting clear opportunities for the home side. Notably, Baba Adeeko came close to scoring for Rochdale, hitting the crossbar with a shot in the first half. Watson highlighted the team's fighting spirit, stating, "Sometimes you need to set up a little bit differently away from home... we spoke about the mentality we would need, being warriors and stopping the ball going in our net."

Walsall's pressure intensified throughout the match, with Nils Ramming making crucial saves, including a double stop from close-range efforts. However, despite their efforts, Walsall could not find the back of the net, marking their fourth goalless draw in eight games this season. Walsall manager Lee Grant expressed mixed emotions, feeling proud of his team's performance but disappointed at dropping points at home.

The draw leaves Rochdale with a point that could prove vital as they look to build momentum in the league. The team will aim to improve their performance in upcoming fixtures as they seek to climb the League Two table. Fans will be hoping that this result can serve as a turning point for the squad as they adapt to the challenges of the new season.