Charlie Lakin: Walsall’s play-off semi-final victory a ‘dream come true’

The 26-year-old scored the opening goal of the clash at the Bescot Stadium as the Saddlers won 2-1 on the night, and 4-1 on aggregate to overcome the Spireites over two legs. 

The win sets up a mouth-watering trip to Wembley on May 26 for a place in the third tier of English football. 

“I cannot describe what that feeling meant,” Lakin said about scoring. “It is a dream come true. 

“You want it to be here (the trip to Wembley) as soon as possible, but listen to take this club to Wembley is a dream come true, and it is a day I will never forget. 

“It has been a very tough few months for everyone involved in the club. For us as players, staff and fans. But I think we have shown who we are and who we have been all season over the last two games. 

“Most people had written us off, and we demonstrated what we are about. That is us to a tee. We were outstanding.”

Walsall were agonisingly close to being promoted automatically, but for a late Bradford goal, which condemned them to the play-offs. 

But the team overcame that adversity to bounce back in their play-off clash. 

Lakin got the first, after great work from Albert Adomah to cross. 

And then after Chesterfield had snatched one back, Adomah then set up Levi Amantchi, who made it 2-1. 

And Lakin believes Walsall responding to the agony on the final day of the season was never in doubt. 

“There has never ever been a doubt in any player’s mind or the staff,” he continued.  “Everyone has been on the same page since day dot. 

“If that does not sum up what our team spirit is about, then I do not know what can. 

“I have said it many times in interviews before, I have never been involved in a team like this. 

“One that is so together, and class each other as brothers.”