The Saddlers clinched the League Two title at the County Ground back in 2007...
The Saddlers travel to the County Ground on Saturday having lost just one of our last eight sitting in 14th position.The Robins always provide a stern test, with Walsall wining just one of the last thirteen meetings between the teams.
However, many supporters will remember our visit to the County Ground back in 2007 and a game which is etched into the history of both clubs.
It was the final day of the season, early May and Richard Money’s men started the day level on points with Hartlepool – it was the race to become champions.
It was a nerve jangling affair, not just for the Saddlers but also the host Swindon who needed a point or more to gain promotion themselves. With an attendance of 14,731, both sets of fans turned out in force to cheer their respective side on.
It was Swindon who broke the deadlock and through an unlikely source – Jerel Ifil’s first league goal of his career – a great diving header at the near post to put the Wiltshire side one up. Money’s antics in protesting a Swindon throw then got him into trouble with the referee who decided to send him to the stands.
Hartlepool had conceded late on in their game meaning a goal would be enough to see the Saddlers crowned champions.
With just seconds left, Walsall Player of the Season and captain Dean Keates netted his 13th and most important goal of the season from 20 yards to send the Walsall faithful into chaotic scenes. It was a day of pure jubilation and our first league title since 1960.
Paul Sturrock’s Swindon were also celebrating with the point enough to send them up to League One in third place.