The team that has gatecrashed their way up into the playoffs so often has the momentum in seeking the final promotion place. Walsall are hoping this year it is the team that has crashed down into them that prevails when they take on AFC Wimbledon in Monday’s League Two final.
Mat Sadler’s team were 12 points clear in January. They had won nine successive league games for the first time in their history. Their 6ft 4in teenage goal sensation, who ended up as the League Two young player of the year, was finishing off much of the high pressing and long balls of a well-drilled, young side.