Oh what a night! Walsall fans ecstatic as Wembley dream comes true
It was a celebration 127 years in the making and, boy, was it worth the wait.
Walsall's historic victory over Preston North End last night resulted in the party to end all parties.
A mass pitch invasion, fans in fancy dress, dancing in the streets, an ocean of red and white – this was a magical night that had it all.
Supporters declared it one of the most significant dates in the club's history as it paved the way for the road to Wembley.
Walsall have never made it to the nation's home of football before and fans were walking on air come the final whistle.
Kevin Ankrett, aged 28, a labourer from Pensnett, said: "This was a massive night for Walsall, a huge moment to celebrate both for the town and the club.
We have been given an initial allocation of just over 20,000 tickets with more available should they be required.
These will not be with us until next week and will not go on sale until Friday, February 6th 2015.
The proposed order of sale will be, as follows:
2014/15 season-ticket holders;
Supporters with a 2014/15 booking history or ticket stubs;
Supporters with a booking history from previous seasons;
General sale.
"It's brilliant for the older fans because they have been supporting the club since they were children and now their Wembley dreams have finally come true."
Ashley Morgan, aged 35, runs the Colliers Arms pub in Cheslyn Hay.
Almost losing his voice, he told the Express & Star after the match: "It was a world class performance.
"James Chambers was unbelievable. It was like watching La Liga. I can't believe we're going to Wembley."
Lorraine Ankrett, aged 30, of Holden Crescent, Ryecroft, was at the game with her daughters Shania, 11, Bethany, nine, and Abigail, seven.
"This is a brilliant win. We're going to Wembley!" she cheered with tears in her eyes. "I've been waiting for this day for a very long time.
"I went to the Millennium Stadium for the play-offs against Reading in 2001so it will be good to go to London for the finals. We can't wait."
Rachel Jackson, 24, a teacher, of Longford, in Cannock, added: "I'm over the moon with excitement. I'm definitely going to Wembley.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I've been there before for tours, but it will be great to actually get to watch my favourite team play. It will be some story to tell the children at New Invention Junior School where I work."
Mark Johnson, 54, a banker, of Cheslyn Hay, added: "I'm ecstatic. I'm a lifelong fan. I've got a lot of colleagues who were really anticipating a good result as well.
"I have waited all my life for this moment and now it's here.
"I missed out on going to the Millennium Stadium in 2001 when we were up against Reading on the play-offs for the Championship, because we were on holiday.
"But I'm not missing this time. Wembley here we go."
Phil Smith, 41, a service engineer, of Wombourne, took his friends and family to see last night's match, including girlfriend Natalie Richmond, 32, daughter Grace, nine, and her friend Harrison Shale, also nine.
"This is absolutely fantastic for the Saddlers. It's a dream come true for me. It's been nerve-wracking, but now it's Wembley here we come.
"We're definitely all going. We're either going to hire a coach or a minibus to get there and make a day out of it. Make some noise for Walsall!
"We come to about 10 home games every season. This is the icing on the cake."
The leader of Walsall Council also joined in the praise.
Councillor Sean Coughlan said: "I'm absolutely over the moon for Walsall, and for the club, but more so for the loyal supporters who have followed the team through thick and thin. It's a great achievement.
"I believe it will bring some feel good factor to the borough. All the football clubs in the area will want Walsall to represent the Black Country well.
"I have friends who bought tickets for the game. I wish them well because their dream of getting to Wembley has come true. This is a time of great celebration for the town and the Midlands."
Walsall North MP David Winnick also congratulated Dean Smith and his team, many of whom have never walked on the hallowed turf of Wembley.
"This is indeed a thrilling victory for the Saddlers," Mr Winnick said. "Everyone in the borough wishes them well on the road to Wembley. Whatever disappointment we have felt on occasion over matches, this is all in the past after last night's result.
"If the victory is repeated at Wembley, as we all so much hope, that will indeed put the borough on the map nationally - everyone in Walsall will wish them well."
