"Imagine a play-off final settled not over 90 minutes, not even over 180, but instead over 300 minutes. In 1987 Charlton, who were ground-sharing at Crystal Palace at the time, finished fourth-bottom of Division One and faced Leeds, who were fourth in Division Two, with a place in the top flight at stake. A goal from Jim Melrose gave the Addicks a 1-0 lead after their 'home' leg at Selhurst Park but just two days later Brendon Ormsby netted the only goal in the second leg at Elland Road. A replay and a neutral venue were needed and, four days later, Birmingham City's St Andrew's hosted the decider."
"As you might expect from such closely-matched teams, it finished 0-0. But this time extra time was played. John Sheridan put the Whites ahead in the first period. However, Peter Shirtliff wrote his name into Athletic folklore with goals after 113 and 117 minutes to keep Charlton in the top flight."
"As far as play-off teams go, Swindon Town can certainly be among those to claim they live up to the competition's reputation for drama and excitement. A 6-5 penalty shootout semi-final defeat by Port Vale in 2022 and a 5-5 second-leg draw with Sheffield United in 2015 will live long in the memory of Town fans for various rea"
The English Football League play-offs have produced 105 different competing teams and 1,468 goals over 40 years, with many memorable moments. One standout case involved a promotion final that extended beyond normal match time, requiring a replay and a neutral venue after two legs ended 1-0 and 1-0. The decisive match at St Andrew’s finished 0-0, leading to extra time. John Sheridan scored in the first extra-time period, but Peter Shirtliff scored twice in the later periods to keep Charlton in the top flight. Swindon Town’s play-off reputation includes dramatic penalty shootout and high-scoring draws that remain vivid for supporters.
Read at www.bbc.com
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