PLAY-OFF FINALS tend to provide plenty of excitement and drama but the League Two decider between AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth at Wembley this afternoon conjured as insane a finale we’ve seen in a long time.
With the game scoreless and 78 minutes having been played, Lyle Taylor stuck out his right boot after a cross from the right side and carefully guided the ball to the far corner to give the Dons the lead – his 23rd goal of the season.
But everything was just about to kick off.
Wimbledon had introduced their cult hero – Adebayo Akinfenwa – and he promptly collided with Plymouth’s Peter Hartley, who received some oxygen as he was stretchered off following some lengthy treatment.
There had initially been seven minutes of injury time indicated but the incident involving Hartley ensured there was a further five added on.
As Plymouth desperately chased an equaliser, Akinfenwa saw a decent effort tipped over by Luke McCormick.
At the other end, Craig Tanner appealed for a penalty after being brought down in the area but play was waved on.
With ten minutes of injury-time played, there was a penalty awarded – to the Dons. And after a bit of a dispute over who should take it, it was Akinfenwa who stepped up and thumped it to the net to ensure Wimbledon’s success.
Afterwards, he gave one of the most unique post-game interviews we’ve ever seen.
Lower league football – you’ve got to love it.
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