Walsall entertain Chesterfield on Friday evening
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Spireites on the Hunt, but Saddlers Hold the Cards: League Two Playoff Decider Awaits at the Bescot
League Two Playoff Semi-Final, Second Leg | Friday 16 May 2025 | Poundland Bescot Stadium | Kick-off: 8:00pm (UK time)
Advantage Walsall, But Chesterfield Far From Beaten
Promotion to League One is tantalisingly close for both Walsall and Chesterfield as they prepare to lock horns in the second leg of their League Two playoff semi-final on Friday evening. The Saddlers, who at one point looked nailed on for the title, have the upper hand heading into this decisive clash at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, holding a two-goal cushion after a clinical display in the first leg.
Despite a torrid spell that saw them go 13 games without a win, Matt Sadler’s side have turned the corner just in time, with back-to-back victories – including a composed 2-0 win in Chesterfield – suggesting that momentum might finally be back on their side. But, as anyone familiar with playoff drama knows, no lead is ever truly safe.
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Walsall: From Crisis to Confidence – But Is It Sustainable?
It’s fair to say Walsall’s route to this point has been anything but straightforward. Once front-runners for automatic promotion, a winless run stretching from February to late April derailed their hopes. Worse still, a stoppage-time goal from Bradford City on the final day cruelly denied them third place and condemned them to the playoffs.
Yet here they are, 90 minutes away from a Wembley final and with form that suggests they might have steadied the ship just in time. The first-leg win over Chesterfield was built on discipline and sharpness at both ends. Taylor Allen’s early penalty set the tone before Alfie Chang doubled the advantage before the break, and Walsall comfortably saw the game out.
Still, question marks remain. Their home form has been patchy, to say the least. The Saddlers are winless in their last six at the Bescot, recording four defeats and two draws in that time. That stat alone will give Paul Cook’s Chesterfield all the encouragement they need heading into this second leg.
Chesterfield Need a Comeback – But Have History of Goals
The Spireites may be down, but they’re not out. Despite the first-leg defeat, Paul Cook’s men showed enough going forward to suggest this tie is far from settled. They carved out a handful of chances, forced Walsall keeper Tommy Simkin into three key saves, and even rattled the woodwork through a header from Ashley Palmer.
Chesterfield ended the regular season in red-hot form, collecting 28 points from their final 13 fixtures, and only just edged into the playoffs ahead of Salford City. That late run included several explosive performances – they’d scored three or more goals in three of their five games prior to Sunday’s loss – and they’ll need that level of firepower again on Friday.
Adding to their belief is a solid record on the road. The Spireites have won four of their last six away from home, including an eye-catching 4-0 win at Salford, and will fancy their chances of unsettling a nervous Walsall on their own turf. Still, they’ve only taken maximum points in three of their last eight overall, and anything less than a near-perfect performance won’t be enough this time.
Team News – Stability Key for Saddlers, Spireites to Tweak?
Walsall look set to stick with the side that earned a vital victory in the first leg. Taylor Allen, who converted the penalty to open the scoring, is likely to retain his place in a back three alongside Harry Williams and David Okagbue.
Out wide, Nathan Asiimwe and Liam Gordon are expected to operate as wing-backs, tasked with both stretching the play and providing defensive cover. In midfield, Alfie Chang – the second-leg scorer – will partner Ryan Stirk, while George Hall and Jamie Jellis operate in more advanced roles. Up front, Jamille Matt will once again lead the line, providing physicality and experience.
As for Chesterfield, Will Grigg remains the focal point in attack, hoping to roll back the years in what could be a pivotal night for the club. He’ll be flanked by the lively Ryan Colclough and Michael Olakigbe, with all three needing to be sharper in the final third if they are to overturn the deficit.
In midfield, expect a trio of John Fleck, Tom Naylor, and Jenson Metcalfe, who must strike the right balance between dictating play and shielding the back four. At the back, Ashley Palmer – dangerous at both ends – will partner Kyle McFadzean in front of Ryan Boot, who’ll be hoping for a quieter evening than last Sunday.
Predicted Lineups
Walsall XI:
Tommy Simkin will continue in goal, protected by a back three of Allen, Williams and Okagbue. The wing-back slots should be filled by Gordon and Asiimwe, while Chang and Stirk operate centrally. Jellis and Hall will provide support behind Matt in attack.
Chesterfield XI:
Boot is expected to start in goal behind a defensive quartet of Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean and Brandon Gordon. Fleck, Metcalfe and Naylor will anchor midfield, with Olakigbe, Grigg and Colclough forming the attacking trio.
Prediction – Spireites to Make a Game of It, but Saddlers to Squeeze Through
This tie is far from over. Chesterfield have the tools to claw their way back into the contest and will almost certainly take the game to Walsall from the off. A goal in the first 30 minutes could completely change the dynamic and put the Saddlers under real pressure.
That said, Walsall’s new-found resilience – and their two-goal buffer – might just be enough to see them scrape through. Expect tension, goals, and possibly a late flurry, but ultimately, a home defeat might still mean aggregate glory for the hosts.
Prediction: Walsall 1-2 Chesterfield (Walsall progress 3-2 on aggregate)
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Just don’t be surprised if we need a strong brew (or something stronger) by the final whistle. These nights are not for the faint-hearted.
