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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Taha Hashim at Wembley

AFC Wimbledon relish reaching League One after edging out Walsall in playoff final

AFC Wimbledon's match-winner Myles Hippolyte holds the playoff trophy aloft at Wembley
AFC Wimbledon's match-winner Myles Hippolyte holds the playoff trophy aloft at Wembley after securing promotion to League One. Photograph: John Walton/PA

This was another triumphant day for south London at Wembley. Sunday brought Charlton promotion to the Championship and on Monday AFC Wimbledon headed back to League One after three years away, a thump from Myles Hippolyte in first-half stoppage time enough to deny Walsall.

The contest was low on thrills but style is not what makes this occasion grand. Until Hippolyte found the bottom right corner, it had looked a match heading for extra time or penalties, likely to be decided by either Tommy Simkin or Owen Goodman, two impressive young goalkeepers. And while Walsall were shaken into action in the second half, Wimbledon’s solidity shone through with an impenetrable defence. They celebrated victory and a clean sheet, just like they had done at this venue nine years ago against Plymouth, just like the Crazy Gang in 1988.

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