Walsall go through to Northern final on penalties

Walsall have reached the Northern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

The West Midlands club fought back from 2-0 down before winning the tie 5-4 on penalties.

Walsall came close to taking the lead on 18 minutes when Tom Bradshaw hit the target only to see his effort parried away by keeper Owain Fon Williams.

Just before the half-hour mark, the Welsh shot-stopper was called into action again to turn away James Baxendale's shot.

However, it was Micky Adams's men who struck first on 37 minutes when Liam Ridehalgh found Max Power, and his right-footed shot was too much for Richard O'Donnell.

Power then turned provider six minutes later as he teed up Kayode Odejayi, and the Rovers forward gave the hosts total control before the interval.

Walsall were almost sunk without a trace moments after the restart as Janoi Donacien's header required a point-blank save from O'Donnell.

The visitors did pull a goal back through Anthony Forde on 63 minutes and came close to drawing level moments later as Fon Williams denied Mathieu Manset.

Walsall had completed an unlikely comeback by the 80th minute thanks to a goal from Michael Cain, which forced the tie into a penalty shootout.

It was left to O'Donnell to turn away Marc Laird's spot kick before Paul Downing sealed a Northern final place from 12 yards.