Walsall take a two-goal lead back to Bescot Stadium after first-half goals from Taylor Allen and Alfie Chang secured a 2-0 win at Chesterfield in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.
Allen opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 28 minutes and Chang doubled the Saddlers’ advantage six minutes before half-time.
The visitors made a strong start and had a chance in the opening minute when George Hall burst into the right-hand side of the area and fired in a shot which was turned wide by goalkeeper Ryan Boot at his near post.
Chesterfield’s first opportunity came when Ryan Colclough tried a low shot which was deflected a fraction wide of Tommy Simkin’s left-hand post.
Walsall took the lead midway through the half after being awarded a penalty when Liam Mandeville fouled Liam Gordon. Allen sent Boot the wrong way from the spot.
Chang added a second before the break, finding the net with a firm low drive after Gordon broke down the left and played the ball into the area.
The home side had an opportunity to pull a goal back two minutes after the restart when Tom Naylor powered a header on target which was turned away by Simkin.
They went close again when Mandeville’s well-struck volley was blocked on the line.
Chesterfield manager Paul Cook made a change midway through the second half, with Armando Dobra sent on in place of Michael Olakigbe.
There was another let-off for the visitors when Ash Palmer’s goalbound header took a deflection and struck the crossbar twice before going behind.
Substitute Levi Amantchi, playing against one of his former clubs, threatened to put the visitors further ahead, firing in a powerful shot which was turned over by Boot.
With five minutes of time added on, Chesterfield threw players forward, with sub Bim Pepple having a header saved by Simkin.
Walsall, who missed out on automatic promotion after letting slip a sizeable lead at the top of the table, appeared content to sit on their two-goal lead.
There was much celebrating among the travelling supporters as the final whistle blew, knowing that their side will be firm favourites to complete the job in the second leg next Friday to reach the final.
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