Walsall will be back in action on Friday evening as they welcome Chesterfield to the Poundland Bescot Stadium for their Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final, Second Leg.MATCH INFORMATION
The match will take place at Walsall's Poundland Bescot Stadium on Friday, 16th May and is scheduled to kick-off at 8.00pm.
Fans are advised to arrive early as there is expected to be a bumper attendance as the Saddlers look to book their place at Wembley Stadium.
NEWS & VIEWS
The Saddlers well and truly rose to the occasion on Sunday afternoon, as goals from Taylor Allen and Alfie Chang saw them create a two-goal advantage heading into Friday evening's second leg.
Not only did the Reds score twice without reply, but they also entered one of their strongest overall performances of the long 2024/25 campaign.
Patient in attack and determined in defence, the Saddlers forced Chesterfield into an unfamiliar position of being on the outside looking in. Unable to break through the defence, they were limited to just a handful of big chances and were thwarted by goalkeeper Tommy Simkin at every turn.
After going some thirteen games without a win, the Saddles are now two for two and should be full of confidence heading into the match.
Of course, the tie is far from over, and Walsall wouldn't be the first team to crash out of the Play-Offs after winning the First Leg, so they'll have to enter a performance equal to if not better than the one that went before.
There is sure to be a great atmosphere at the game, with ticket sales growing on the back of Sunday's superb showing. Here's hoping they can rise to the occasion once again!
TEAM NEWS
Walsall midfielder Alfie Chang picked up a knock during Sunday's first leg at the SMH Group Stadium, but should be fit for the next game.
THE OPPOSITION
Chesterfield have been in fine form over the second half of the 2024/25 League Two campaign and arrived at the First Leg as clear favourites.
However, after coming up against the superbly prepared Saddlers, have now got a two-goal deficit to overcome if they are to advance to the League Two Play-Off Final.
Already beset by a plethora of injuries, the Spireites will no doubt have had a busy week at their training ground as they look to rebound from a difficult afternoon at the SMH Group Stadium.
FACTFILE: CHESTERFIELD
MANAGER: Paul Cook
YEAR FOUNDED: 1919
NICKNAME: The Spireites
STADIUM: SMH Group Stadium
FORM GUIDE
Walsall have won their last two games and, following an almost faultless performance in the first leg, will be hoping to make it three in three and book their place in the Final at Wembley Stadium.
Chesterfield came into the match on the back of a superb spell of form, losing just one of their previous thirteen league games, and will be desperate to return to winning ways on Friday evening.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been a total of 97 competitive meetings between the Saddlers and Spireites, and it's the Saddlers that hold a small head-to-head lead, having won 37 times compared to Chesterfield's 31. (29 draws).
The first meeting was a League Division Two clash that took place at Hilary Street, later known as Fellows Park, on Saturday, 11th November 1899, and Walsall won by six goals to three.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting took place at the Spireites' SMH Group Stadium on Sunday, 11th May, and saw the Saddlers secure a two-goal win.
Walsall started the game well and grabbed the first goal of the game just before the thirty-minute mark, as Saddlers Player of the Season Taylor Allen struck home from the penalty spot.
Mat Sadler's men doubled their lead after thirty-nine minutes when on-loan Birmingham City man Alfie Chang lashed the ball home from the edge of the area. A great strike for the midfielder.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Ben Toner, who is based in Lancashire, will take charge of the match, with Emily Carney and Daniel Woodward being named as assistant referees.
We also know that Adam Herczeg has been selected as Fourth Official, whilst Richard Wigglesworth has been confirmed as reserve official.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are running out, but a handful remain on sale from the Ticket Office at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, by calling 01922 651416, or visiting the official eTicketing website.
Further information can be found, here.
CATCH THE MATCH
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8.00pm and will be streamed live on Saddlers+ for Saddlers overseas. Fans in the UK will be able to see the game live on Sky Sports Football, which is available on Sky, NOW, Virgin Media and more.