AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Walsall: Dons secure return to League One after three years away thanks to Myles Hippolyte's first half stunner
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- AFC Wimbledon took on Walsall in the League Two play-off final at Wembley
- Myles Hippolyte's goal was the difference as the Dons secured promotion
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Twelve months ago Myles Hippolyte was released by Stockport, but on Monday he heeded AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s call for his players to write a new chapter in the Dons' history as he led them back to League One after three years away.
Wimbledon are no strangers to memorable moments, not least The Crazy Gang’s iconic FA Cup triumph in the club's previous iteration in 1988 or the League Two play-off winning side in 2016, yet Hippolyte’s magical goal ensured he will be written into folklore at Plough Lane.
‘An unbelievable day,' Jackson said as the remarkable story of this phoenix club continued.
'To see Wembley full of blue and yellow shows what we're about. I'm so proud of everyone, it’s the best day in my career.
'This club was born from spirit and adversity, but the four fellas in a pub who formed it had an idea and today is why they did it.'
For Walsall, this was a brutal end to a heartbreaking season. Having been 12 points clear at the top of the table earlier this year - and 15 above fourth - they were pipped to promotion on the final day by a 96th minute goal after a torrid run.
Hope was rekindled following a play-off semi-final victory over Chesterfield, but Mat Sadler’s side fell short at the final hurdle.
'When you’re watching the celebrations it's like a slow torture,' Sadler said.
'That fire and emotion, it’s very raw, but let’s use it as a positive.
'I'm so proud of the group for who they are, what they’ve done and how we’ve moved the club forward, but we need to rest, recover and go again.’
The first half was cagey until the Dons broke the deadlock in added time as Hippolyte seized on a loose ball to thrash a fierce shot past Tommy Simkin.
'It was his best performance in a Wimbledon shirt,' Jackson added of the matchwinner. 'He’s a man for the big occasion.'
Walsall responded and Riley Harbottle cleared off the line from Jamille Matt, while Levi Amantchi and David Okagbue spurned good chances.
Simkin kept the Saddlers in it and they put Wimbledon under pressure, but the Dons showed why they have the meanest defence in League Two by holding firm.
'We'll create a pub in the changing room, have a few and then we have a party down the road with friends and family,' a delighted Jackson concluded.
'I'm sure it will be a pretty lively night.'
