Walsall booked a place in the League Two play-off final by completing a 4-1 aggregate victory over Chesterfield with a 2-1 win at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, the Saddlers defended resolutely and effectively sealed progress nine minutes from time through Charlie Lakin’s close-range finish.
Armando Dobra netted a stoppage-time Chesterfield consolation but Levi Amantchi responded soon after to ensure Walsall won on the night as well as on aggregate.
Amantchi’s goal sparked the first of two pitch invasions, the second coming after the final whistle, as Walsall secured a Wembley date with Notts County or AFC Wimbledon on May 26.
Walsall – who blew a 12-point lead at the top of League Two to end up in the play-offs – started swiftly, seeking the early goal that would kill the tie.
Jamie Jellis raced clear in from the right early on but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by visiting keeper Ryan Boot.
Only four times in the near 40-year history of the EFL play-offs had an away side overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to reach the final.
Chesterfield, though, began to threaten as Dobra tested Saddlers keeper Tommy Simkin with a fierce drive from 25 yards.
Bim Pepple threatened several times to break clear for the Spireites but was well marshalled by the home defence and when he did find space on the edge of the box, he dragged well wide.
Just before the break, Pepple had another chance when he broke free of his marker in the area but could only bobble a harmless scuffed shot that was easily collected by Simkin.
Chesterfield had the ball in the net after the interval as Jenson Metcalfe drilled into the corner from 20 yards but the whistle had long gone for a handball by the midfielder in the build-up.
Walsall should have wrapped matters up with 17 minutes left as George Hall sprinted clear to square for Amantchi but, with only Boot to beat, the substitute’s finish was too close to the keeper.
But Lakin made no such mistake on 81 minutes, bundling home fellow substitute Albert Adomah’s cross from a couple of yards out to put the tie’s outcome beyond doubt.
Chesterfield gamely attempted a late fightback as Kyle McFadzean’s shot was well blocked by Harry Williams and Ryan Colclough’s strike was straight at Simkin.
After Amantchi and Taylor Allen both dragged shots inches wide for Walsall, the visitors did claim a 94th-minute consolation when Dobra steered home from a clever Will Grigg touch.
But Walsall had the last word a minute later with Adomah the provider again, his deep cross nodded into an empty net by Amantchi at the far post.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.On this day 2019 Hojlund level game mode Would you rather WIN the UEFA Conference League or EARN more money? Which one is the worst? “It’s da history of da Tottenham…” Kepa in Arsenal be like Wanda Nara is now dating 26-year-old Achraf Hakimi — the PSG star reportedly invited Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife to a private party after the...
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group E, where Asian "Red Devils" Urawa Red Diamonds, Serie A giants Inter Milan, Argentine powerhouse River Plate, and Mexican "Tigers" Monterrey will clash. What unique marks will they leave on the pitch?Asian "Red Devils" Uraw...
ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)The Cherries are close to agreeing a £20m...
Chelsea are looking to land a second transfer after Liam Delap.Chelsea are set to launch a new bid for Mike Maignan.Chelsea reportedly face crucial days ahead in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, after already seeing one bid rejected. The France stopper is entering the last year of his contract at the San Siro and has been viewed as a market opportunity at a bargain price.The Blue...
Manchester United's chances of signing Bryan Mbeumo may have received a blow as Tottenham are reportedly readying an offer for the Brentford star.Man Utd eye Brentford's MbeumoTottenham ready their own offerTalks with manager Frank continueWHAT HAPPENED?The Sun report that Tottenham are trying to hijack United's pursuit of Mbeumo - with hopes that landing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as well could ...
Ajax have told Jordan Henderson he can leave for free this summer, with new head coach John Heitinga not counting on the experienced English international. Rumours have linked him with a sensational return to Sunderland, who will return to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.Livramento to Man City currently on 'stand-by'Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento's m...
Mikel Arteta is set to oversee a big summer at Arsenal (Image: Getty)Arsenal have waved goodbye to three players without making a permanent signing so far this summer, but the arrivals are not far off. Nuno Tavares has left the Emirates to join Lazio on a permanent deal, while Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have both entered free agency.Arteta picks between Sesko and GyokeresSince the start of the su...
Federico Chiesa is being tipped to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty)Liverpool FC could be about to lose Federico Chiesa less than a year after the Italian joined the Anfield outfit. Chiesa was the only addition to Arne Slot’s squad during last summer’s transfer window, joining for £10million from Juventus.However, a combination of injuries and bad form meant his minutes w...
The summer transfer window is already in full flow, with Premier League clubs in a race against the clock to get deals over the line before the window is put on pause for the Club World Cup on June 10. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all hopeful of bringing in new signings beforehand, with early exits firmly on the cards as well.Ruben Amorim’s rebuild of United has been kickstar...
Harry Kane and England played out a drab first-half against Andorra (Image: Getty)England were booed off at half-time of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra, after a goalless opening 45 minutes against the European minnows. Thomas Tuchel's men had won their opening two matches of qualification against Albania and Latvia, but the German coach was left wanting more after his side's dismal show...
- 1 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 4 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 5 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 8 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker