Pressure in big games is why I play, says Walsall's Taylor Allen

The 24-year-old defender, who featured in all but one of Walsall's 46 League Two matches this season, scored a pivotal penalty on Sunday to give Walsall an early advantage in their two-legged tie against the Spireites. 

The strike from 12 yards, which he confidently dispatched beyond Ryan Boot, was his 11th goal of the season. 

It was a cauldron of an atmosphere inside the SMH Group Stadium at the weekend and he says those big moments is exactly why he loves football. 

"Obviously, you hear the noise," Allen admitted.  "Well, that's what we play for.

"They're making noise. They're trying to put you off, but that's what we play football for as kids.

"You want to be playing in moments like this. So, if you get onto that spot and you're scared, you've wasted your whole life playing football. 

"So, for me, it's one of the moments I want to be a part of.

"I think with any part of football at this level, you have to have no fear and be prepared to beat your man in every part of the game. So, that's the kind of way that I look at it."

Boss Mat Sadler is now preparing his side for the second leg of the clash at Bescot on Friday night, with a potential trip to Wembley if they can get over the line against Paul Cook's side on the horizon. 

And Allen is remaining fully focused on the job he and his team-mates need to do. 

"We take each game as it comes, each day as it comes," he continued. "We know what this week's about for us now. And like I said, we'll be ready to be back at the Bescot on Friday."