Walsall analysis: Saddlers suffer promotion heartbreak in dramatic final day
Walsall headed into the final day more in hope than expectation but the way in which they missed out on automatic promotion was just cruel.
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They only have themselves to blame for being in this position in the first place. Two wins from 20 games prior to kick-off is simply inexcusable and is the reason they've been consigned to the play-offs rather than celebrating promotion.
The 90 minutes that went before a dramatic 90 seconds at the end somewhat dwarfed into insignificance. Walsall played well overall and were good value for the three points.
Birmingham City loanee George Hall was a livewire and capped a standout display with the winning goal in the 59th-minute. Harry Williams had launched another of his long throw deliveries into the penalty area which David Okagbue knocked down into the six-yard box.
Hall still had a lot to do, but with his back to goal, cleverly hooked an inventive finish beyond Aston Villa loanee Filip Marschall in the Crewe goal.
Over 2,300 Walsall fans, who packed out virtually two stands inside Gresty Road, erupted in an explosion of euphoria as the Saddlers soared into the final automatic promotion spot.
It was the least they deserved. Williams was a rock at the back and Walsall had been threatening an opener from the first minute.
They started brightly, with Hall pulling the strings in the final third. Taylor Allen drove a fierce low shot narrowly wide of the target and Hall forced an impressive finger tip save from Marschall before half-time.
Levi Amantchi was ineffectual as the sole striker and Mat Sadler was proactive with his substitutions, bringing on veteran Jamille Matt at the start of the second half.
