This evening the players, backroom staff, and supporters of Walsall Football Club have a rare opportunity to create a piece of history as they take on Preston North End in the Second Leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Final.
The Saddlers, who take a two-goal lead into tonight's match, are just 90 minutes from making an appearance at our national stadium, a feat they haven't achieved in the entirety of Wembley Stadium's 91+ year history.
The original Stadium opened in 1923, and after many decades of football was closed in 2000, and eventually demolished in 2003. After much delay, and huge increase in cost, the 'New' Wembley was completed and handed over to the Football Association on 9th March 2007.
While the stadium had hosted football matches since the handover in March, the stadium was officially opened on Saturday 19th May, with the staging of the 2007 FA Cup Final.
Sadly, within the re-build timescale was the Saddlers' 2000/01 Division Two Play-Off final victory over Reading, which joined several other matches, including the FA Cup Final, in being held at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which whilst being a tremendous stadium with fantastic views from all sides, it's just not Wembley, it doesn't have the history, the character, or the stories to tell.
After defeating Tranmere Rovers on penalties in the Semi Final The Saddlers were paired with fellow Sky Bet League 1 outfit Preston North End and managed to edge a fairly tame affair.
As the match reached the 80th minute mark it seemed as though the tie was heading for something of a bore draw. However, the Saddlers struck twice late on through former Wolves winger Anthony Forde and summer signing Tom Bradshaw, giving the Reds an advantage heading into the Second Leg.
This evening's match is sure to be a nervy affair, with the 9,500+ Saddlers in attendance, all doing their best to sing their side to glory, looking on as we seek to achieve something that will go on to be discussed on the terraces for many years to come.
This evening's match is sure to be a nervy affair, with the 9,500+ Saddlers in attendance, all doing their best to sing their side to glory, looking on as we seek to achieve something that will go on to be discussed on the terraces for many years to come.