Walsall hunting redemption at Wembley after losing 12-point lead at League Two summit

Walsall were flying high at the top of League Two in January but then went winless across 13 games. They face AFC Wimbledon in the play-off final at Wembley on Monday

Wembley provides the chance of redemption for Walsall.

The Saddlers were 12 points clear at the top of League Two in January before the wheels fell off for Mat Sadler’s side. A 13-game winless run meant they slipped out of the automatic promotion places but play-off semi-final victory over Chesterfield has given them a chance to ensure their disastrous second half of the season is forgotten.

They take on AFC Wimbledon on Monday with a spot in League One up for grabs. Walsall captain Jamille Matt, speaking exclusively to Sky Bet, said: “It’s been good to get through to the play-off final, especially in the last few months, we were on a bad run.

“I knew the characters that were in the dressing room, and we never lost that belief in ourselves. Our aim was to just go out there and prove to everyone else that we’ve still got the quality to get through to the final.”

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Hometown hero Matt added: “It’s been a privilege for me to be captain of Walsall. I grew up in Walsall, not far from the stadium, so it’s just amazing for me.

“It’s a full circle moment for me, playing for them in League Two, being the captain, these are all pinch me moments. However, it’s only a dream come true if we can go to Wembley and get the result that we want.”

Walsall beat Wimbledon at Plough Lane earlier this season before a 1-1 draw against the Wombles on home soil. Liam Gordon is part of the Walsall team having spent some of his younger days in south-west London.

He said: “Facing AFC Wimbledon does give me extra motivation considering I spent time there during my youth career. It didn’t work out for me there, but I don’t hold any grudges towards them.

“I’ve got a few friends who were with me at Wimbledon, who are coming to the game this weekend, so it feels like I’m playing for them as well. It’s another game of football and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Everyone is excited, but it’s just another game of football. Once that whistle blows, you forget where you are and forget what’s around you – all you’re focusing on, is what’s on the pitch and what’s happening at the time.

“Once that first whistle blows, it must get treated like any other game.”

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