AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle go head-to-head in the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final on Bank Holiday Monday, with Sky Bet League 1 football the prize for the winner.
A Wimbledon win would elevate them to their highest-ever standing in the English football pyramid, while victory for Plymouth would see them back in the third tier for the first time since 2011.Route to Wembley
AFC Wimbledon clinched seventh place and the last Play-Off spot in Sky Bet League 2, following a run of just one defeat in their final 10 games.
Then, Neal Ardley's side pipped Accrington Stanley to Wembley over their two-legged Play-Off Semi-Final, prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
Tom Beere’s last-gasp strike sealed a 1-0 win for the Dons in the first leg, but their backs were against the wall in the return at the Wham Stadium.
Josh Windass and Piero Mingoia put Stanley 2-0 up on the night, before Adebayo Akinfenwa forced extra-time with a headed equaliser. Lyle Taylor then slotted home in the additional half an hour - booking the club’s first-ever visit to the new Wembley.
Plymouth’s route was also a dramatic one.
Jamille Matt scored twice as the Pilgrims drew 2-2 with rivals Portsmouth in the first leg at Fratton Park, before a tense encounter took place at Home Park three night’s later.
After a goalless 90 minutes, and with extra-time beckoning, Peter Hartley stepped up in second-half added time to head home the winner and send Argyle to the national stadium for the first time in 20 years.
⚽️ @AFCWimbledon v @Only1Argyle
— The Football League (@football_league) May 27, 2016
⬆️ #PlayOffFinal
🕒 3pm - 30/5
📍 Wembley
📺 @SkySports
>> https://t.co/mOp6nBwrA6pic.twitter.com/RZ1KEQM5SE
Play-Off history
This is the first time that Wimbledon have appeared in The Football League Play-Offs, after five seasons in League 2.
Plymouth, however, have been here before.
Back in 1996, they beat Darlington 1-0 in front of a then record crowd for a Division Three Play-Off Final. Ronnie Mauge scored the vital goal on one of the most famous days in the club’s history.
Head-to-head
AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle have met 11 times since their maiden clash back in 2011.
Dons hold the upper hand in the history of the fixture, having won four times to Plymouth’s three victories. There have been four draws.
They’ve played each other three times already this term, with both taking a win away from home in Sky Bet League 2. They also faced off in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, when Plymouth triumphed 3-2.
In the 11 fixtures, no side has ever taken the spoils at home.
Don't miss it!
The Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final will be broadcast around the globe on Monday, and we'll be providing behind-the-scenes content and match updates on social media, so be sure to follow and use #PlayOffFinal!
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