AFC Wimbledon secured promotion with a narrow 1-0 win over Walsall in the League Two playoff final at Wembley, ending their three-season stay in the fourth tier.
With a whole season riding on a single campaign, it was unsurprising to see the contest get off to a cagey start with clear-cut chances proving to be few and far between.
In fact, the first real opportunity did not arrive until just past the half-hour when Wimbledon's Marcus Browne forced Tommy Simkin into a smart stop.
However, there was nothing that the Walsall goalkeeper could do to prevent Myles Hippolyte from driving the ball into the bottom corner in first-half stoppage time, sending the Dons into the break with a precious lead.
Walsall tried to find a way past the Wimbledon backline in the second period, but they ultimately found it impossible to break down a side that finished the campaign with the best defensive record in the division.
Johnnie Jackson's side stood firm to claim a fourth consecutive 1-0 victory and seal their spot in League One for the 2025-26 campaign, marking another memorable moment of the club's storied history.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Wimbledon's strong defence proved to be the difference in their playoff campaign, keeping clean sheets in both legs of their semi-final tie against Notts County before recording another shutout at Wembley.
The Dons produced a professional display in a high-pressure game, and ultimately deserved to claim the win with their performance on the day.
As for Walsall, it is going to take some getting over this disappointing campaign after missing out on promotion on a number of occasions.
The Saddlers were 12 points clear at the top of the table at one point of the season, and even after blowing that advantage, they were just moments away from winning promotion on the last day of the campaign before Bradford City netted a late winner against Fleetwood Town to snatch third spot.
The playoff final defeat ultimately sums up a season of near-misses, and they will need to showcase strong character if they are to mount another promotion bid next season.
AFC WIMBLEDON VS. WALSALL HIGHLIGHTS
Hippolyte goal vs. Walsall (47th min, Wimbledon 1-0 Walsall)
"The Dons take the lead under the arch!" 🏟️
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 26, 2025
What a strike from Myles Hippolyte! 💥 pic.twitter.com/cUtP7HX6vm
Wimbledon find the breakthrough on the stroke of half time after keeping the ball alive from a corner. Hippolyte pounces onto a loose ball on the edge of the box to drill a low shot into the far corner to spark scenes of pandemonium in the Wimbledon end.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MYLES HIPPOLYTE
© Imago
Hippolyte produced the one decisive moment of quality to lead Wimbledon back to the third tier in just his third consecutive start since returning from injury.
Away from his goal, the 30-year-old delivered a standout performance in the Wimbledon midfield, showcasing his dribbling ability to retain possession while also putting in useful contributions in his team's defensive efforts.
AFC WIMBLEDON VS. WALSALL MATCH STATS
Possession: Wimbledon 52%-48% Walsall
Shots: Wimbledon 12-5 Walsall
Shots on target: Wimbledon 3-2 Walsall
Corners: Wimbledon 3-4 Walsall
Fouls: Wimbledon 3-1 Walsall
WHAT NEXT?
After failing in their quest to secure promotion, Walsall will have the summer to reflect and lift themselves before they focus on a seventh consecutive League Two campaign.
As for Wimbledon, they will already be looking forward to playing League One football for the first time in three years.
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