Walsall are on their way to Wembley!

A triumphant night at the Banks's Stadium saw Walsall book their place in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

There were cheers and tears as thousands of fans flooded the pitch on the final whistle, carrying the players aloft and singing "We're going to Wembley!".

Dean Smith's heroes held on to their two-goal first-leg advantage by containing Preston North End to a 0-0 draw in front of 9,000 jubilant home supporters.

The stadium was electric from the moment turnstiles opened at 5pm, with the stands a sea of red and white and fans roaring from the first whistle to the last.

Extra pies and pints had been ordered in to cope with unprecedented demand for one of the most important nights in the club's proud history.

And despite Walsall being two goals to the good before a ball was even kicked, that didn't stop Smith's battlers from putting in a blood-sweat-and-tears performance.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble said: "To secure a first-ever appearance at Wembley Stadium in our long and proud 127-year history is something generations of supporters have long dreamed of but never quite fulfilled.

"In short we have managed to create history; it will be a great occasion that we will look forward to with real relish, but before then our focus must return to the quest for League points, which resumes on Sunday."

Long-serving former Walsall goalkeeper Mick Kearns, who has been associated with the club for more than 40 years, added: "It's wonderful.

"When you see the scenes after the game it means so much to everyone at the club - not just the players but the staff, directors and supporters."

All thoughts now turn to the big day in London on March 22.

The Saddlers will take on either Bristol City or Gillingham, who clash on Thursday with The Robins already 4-2 up.

The Mayor of Walsall said the final will a momentous day, not only for the club but the borough as a whole.

Tens of thousands of people from across the Black Country and beyond will make the journey to the nation's home of football, with a ticket announcement due in the coming days.

Mayor Pete Smith said: "What a tremendous result for the Super Saddlers.

"This is great for the club, great for the supporters and something to cheer up the whole of Walsall amid the doom and gloom of austerity, cuts and cold winter days.

"Now the Saddlers are heading to Wembley for the first time in their history. This will be a landmark in the club and the town's history. I want the whole borough to cheer on the Saddlers at the Wembley final.

"Now there's just one direction - Walsall to Wembley, here we come."

After the match, fans danced and sang in the street before heading to the town's pubs and social clubs, which were enjoying a bumper night of energy and expectation.

Vicky Holden has been stewardess at The Saddlers Club for five years and said the atmosphere was phenomenal.

"This is a dream come true for every single Saddlers fan," she said. "There were a few nerves before kick-off - some fans said they had been too nervous to eat all day - but now it's the party to end all parties.

"It's been of the busiest nights we've had, our members' lounge was full after just an hour of the doors opening.

"It's all about Wembley now."

Lifelong Saddlers fan, 64-year-old Tony Horne was enjoying a beer in the club, which welcomed fans before and after the game.

"I have never known anything like it," he said. "To get to Wembley has been my dream since I was a little boy at the tender age of 10 - and now it's come true."