AFC Wimbledon Stuns Fans With Last-Gasp Winner to Seal Play-Off Spot

AFC Wimbledon are celebrating a return to League One after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Walsall in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday. A stoppage-time strike at the end of the first half from midfielder Myles Hippolyte proved decisive, sparking wild scenes among the 28,000 travelling Dons supporters and sealing the club’s first promotion since 2022. Manager Johnnie Jackson, whose side entered the play-offs unbeaten in 10 matches, hailed the achievement as “a victory for fan ownership and collective belief.” The South London club, reborn by supporters in 2002, maintained their perfect play-off record — five wins from five campaigns — and extended Wembley folklore that dates back to the original Crazy Gang era. How the final was won • Bright start: Wimbledon pressed high from the opening whistle, forcing Saddlers keeper Jackson Smith into two early saves from Omar Bugiel. • Decisive moment: Seconds before the interval, Ethan Chislett’s corner was only half-cleared, and Hippolyte lashed an angled 12-yard drive beyond Smith to send the blue-and-yellow end into ecstasy. • Resolute rearguard: Centre-backs Ryan Johnson and Joe Lewis repelled a late aerial bombardment, while goalkeeper Alex Bass produced a fingertip stop from Taylor Allen in the 88th minute to preserve the lead. Jackson’s verdict “This club was built from the ashes by its supporters, and tonight the story continues in League One. The lads showed bravery, organisation and a bit of Crazy Gang spirit,” the head coach said in his post-match press conference. Key numbers • Fifth promotion since reformation in 2002. • Unbeaten run extended to 11 games (W9 D2). • Clean-sheet number 19 this season, joint-best in League Two. • First Wembley win for Jackson as a manager; he previously lifted the League Two trophy as Charlton captain in 2012. What promotion means Financially, the Dons will see an estimated £1.5 million boost in EFL solidarity payments, plus higher gate receipts at Plough Lane next term when rivals such as Portsmouth and Charlton visit. Strategically, Jackson confirmed that sporting director Craig Cope has held “advanced talks” to extend loans for top scorer Josh Davison (15 goals) and wing-back Huseyin Bilir. Reaction from the stands “We started in parks and now we’ve conquered Wembley again,” said life-long fan Sandra Cox, sporting the original 2002 phoenix-crest scarf. Social media clips of the club’s trademark post-game “Wonderwall” sing-along quickly went viral, accumulating over two million views within an hour of the final whistle. Next steps • Open-top bus parade through Merton confirmed for Wednesday afternoon. • Pre-season friendlies versus Premier League opposition set to be announced this week. • Season-ticket renewals go live at 9 a.m. tomorrow, with early-bird prices frozen. SEO-friendly takeaway AFC Wimbledon win play-off final, secure League One promotion, Hippolyte scores winner, Jackson reaction, Crazy Gang spirit, Wembley triumph, Dons parade, League Two play-offs, South London club promoted.