Walsall midfielder overwhelmed with emotions after scoring vital goal in front of his family

Lakin scored the first goal during Walsall’s thrilling 2-1 win over Chesterfield on Friday night, which gave them a 4-1 win on aggregate, sending them to Wembley. 

The midfielder headed home Albert Adomah’s cross at the back post to send the Bescot Stadium into complete meltdown. 

Lakin revealed his family were in the stands watching the match, and while his son is about to turn one, he hopes that in the years to come they can share the moment. 

“He is one this week,” Lakin said. “There are plenty of photos and videos to show him for sure. He was there, and as long as I can show him in the future, that is the main thing. 

“That is going to be a lifetime memory. I am pretty sure that when he gets older, I hope he will be proud of me. 

“To do that in front of my family is amazing.”

Armando Dobra did get one back late on in the game for the visitors before Levi Amantchi headed home from another Adomah cross. 

But reflecting on his goal, Lakin revealed he was so overwhelmed when he found the net, he had no idea what to do. 

“I didn't know what to do with myself,” he continued. “I saw it come into the box, and I thought, I'm going to take the man into the goal with the ball. 

“That was my aim, and that was what happened. When it hit the back of the net, I did not know what to do or where to go. 

“I just looked over to my family, and it was an amazing feeling. I cannot actually describe what it was like.” 

Walsall will head to Wembley on May 26 for a clash with AFC Wimbledon and a place in the third tier of English football up for grabs.