JPT hero Anthony Forde staying grounded

The Saddlers took a giant step towards a first ever Wembley appearance after a 2-0 win at Deepdale in the first leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final.

But with 90 minutes still to play, Forde accepts players must keep their feet on the ground, saying: "It is about keeping a lid on it, though everyone is still very happy.

"In the first-half we were under pressure and Richard O'Donnell kept us in the game with some terrific saves. The second half we kept a good shape about us and we deserved the two goals."

Forde put the Saddlers ahead with a sublime 84^th minute free-kick, before Tom Bradshaw added a second four minutes later.

It was the Irishman's third goal of the season and his second from a set piece – a skill he is keen to keep improving.

He said: "It's not the first free-kick I have scored this season. I gave Tayls (Andy Taylor) the one in the first half and he wanted that one but I said no, I'm taking it – luckily it went in.

"There was quite a big wall and I think the keeper was hoping I would go over the wall. I made him think that and probably gave him the eyes and went into the other corner.

"I practise it all the time. If you don't practise you are not going to get better at them. I gave him the eyes and thankfully it went into the far corner."

Walsall now host Preston in the second leg on January 27 and Forde added: "We need to be ready for that game because it is only half-time in the tie.

"We will forget about the 2-0 lead and focus on it as if it is just 0-0. If we do that we can hopefully get another good result and take the club to Wembley."

Former Walsall loanee Milan Lalkovic has signed an 18-month deal at League One side Barnsley.