George Bennett brings you all the latest Walsall news ahead of the second leg of the play-off semi-final.
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00:00Good afternoon, folks. I returned to Essington earlier today after a few days away to catch up with Matt Sadler and David Akaguiwe ahead of Walsall's crucial playoff semifinal second leg against Chesterfield on Friday night.
00:19We're expecting a bumper crowd under the lights for what is one of Walsall's biggest games in their recent history and Matt Sadler kind of talked up the occasion, said it's the type of games that players should be excited for and wants them to thrive off that excitement.
00:42He was really pleased with the response that his players have given, said he always trusted them after what was a really difficult second half to the season, three wins in just 21 games.
00:55But they did sign off on a winning note in that 1-0 win over Crewe despite that heartbreak right at the death which saw them fall into the playoff lottery.
01:05But they take a 2-0 lead into their second leg after an impressive performance at Chesterfield.
01:14So only halfway to Wembley which Matt Sadler was obviously quick to warn.
01:21In terms of team news, Osher McKenty will remain sidelined.
01:28He was not involved in the squad for the 2-0 win at Chesterfield.
01:33Due to an ankle injury, he actually picked up that issue in the 2-0 defeat against Barrow on April the 12th.
01:42But he was sort of nursing the issue during that time.
01:45Managed to feature off the bench against Newport and Crewe and even started in midfield in the 1-0 defeat at home against Clinton Stanley in the penultimate game of the season.
01:56But yeah, just not quite able to shake that issue off.
01:59So he won't be available for selection.
02:02Neither will Conor Barrow.
02:04He's obviously completing and will complete his three-match suspension.
02:09So if Walsall do make it to Wembley, he will be eligible once again.
02:14Obviously sent off in that 1-0 defeat against Accrington.
02:19And elsewhere, Jack Earing won't be available once again.
02:22He's just been the sort of tale of his spell at Walsall, unfortunately.
02:27Ravaged with injuries.
02:29And he's been out for the whole of 2025 with an ankle injury.
02:34Obviously required surgery.
02:36Was initially earmarked for eight to ten weeks out.
02:39But it's, you know, proved to be a long road to recovery.
02:43Yeah, he won't be available once again.