1996 Football League Third Division play-off Final
Encyclopedia
The 1996 Football League Third Division play-off final was a football match played at Wembley Stadium on 25 May 1996, to determine the fourth and final team to gain promotion
from the Third Division
to the Second Division
of the Football League in the 1995–96 season
.
It was contested by Plymouth Argyle
, who finished fourth in the Third Division table, and Darlington
, who finished fifth. The teams reached the final by defeating Colchester United
and Hereford United
respectively in the two-legged semi-finals.
Plymouth Argyle won the match 1–0 thanks to a headed goal from Ronnie Mauge
to gain promotion back to the third tier of English football
one season after being relegated. For the club's manager, Neil Warnock
, it was his fourth success in the play-offs as a manager, having achieved it twice with Notts County
and once with Huddersfield Town
. His counterpart, Jim Platt
, would leave full-time management at the end of that year.
Plymouth Argyle had finished the 1995–96 Football League season in fourth place in the Third Division, one place ahead of Darlington. Therefore, both missed out on the three automatic promotion places and instead took part in the play-offs
to determine who would join Preston North End
, Gillingham
, and Bury
as the fourth promoted team. On the final day of the league season, Plymouth Argyle had the opportunity to finish third in the table and thereby clinch the final automatic promotion place but a 3–0 win at Home Park against Hartlepool United
was not enough to overtake Bury, after they also won 3–0 at home to Cardiff City
.
In the play-off semi-finals, Darlington were paired with sixth-placed Hereford United
and Plymouth Argyle with seventh-place finishers Colchester United
. Darlington won their first leg tie 2–1 at Edgar Street courtesy of goals from Robbie Blake
and Sean Gregan
. They also won the second leg by the same scoreline at Feethams with Matty Appleby
and Robbie Painter
on the scoresheet.
Plymouth Argyle lost the first leg of their semi-final tie 1–0 at Layer Road after a goal from Mark Kinsella
, but they responded in the second leg at Home Park. Goals from Michael Evans, Chris Leadbitter
and Paul Williams
were enough to secure a 3–1 win and a 3–2 victory on aggregate. The results set up a first visit to Wembley Stadium for the supporters of both clubs.
The two teams were competing for promotion
to the third tier of the English football league system
, at the time called the Second Division
, a familiar place for both sides. In its previous 68 seasons as a Football League club, Plymouth Argyle competed exclusively in the second and third tiers, exactly 34 seasons each. While Darlington had featured in the second tier just twice, competing in the third tier on 32 occasions and the fourth tier another 32 times. The official attendance of 43,431 was a record for a play-off final at that level, beating the previous record set in 1994, until it was bettered a year later by 3,373 spectators. There was also a significant disparity in the number of tickets sold to the supporters of the two clubs, with fewer than 10,000 Darlington fans in attendance compared to 35,000 fans representing Plymouth Argyle.
Plymouth Argyle manager Neil Warnock
picked ten players who had started both of the clubs semi-final matches, with Ronnie Mauge
keeping his place in the team having replaced Chris Billy for the second leg. The match was to be goalkeeper Steve Cherry
's last for the club, having returned for a second stint with the club three months earlier. Darlington manager Jim Platt
, who was taking charge of the team for the last time before the return of David Hodgson
, made one change to the side that secured progress from the semi-final stage with Tony Carss
coming in at the expense of Matt Carmichael
. The final would prove to be Man of the Match
Matty Appleby
's last for Darlington.
a prominent player in midfield, but Plymouth Argyle eventually found their rhythm and had the first real goalscoring opportunity after ten minutes. Adrian Littlejohn
found space after a one-two with Michael Evans, but his first touch let him down and the opportunity was not taken. Darlington's main threat was coming from attacking full back Appleby and he had their best chance of the match mid-way through the first half. He carved out the initial chance, having carried the ball half the length of the pitch, but team-mate Steven Gaughan was unable to convert. The hasty clearance from Argyle found its way back to Appleby but he sent his shot over the crossbar with goalkeeper Cherry completely exposed.
Plymouth Argyle came close to making their opponents pay for their profligacy in front of goal with Evans lifting a volley over the crossbar. Darlington's captain Andy Crosby
was proving to be a formidable figure at the heart of his teams defence, but Argyle fashioned another chance to open the scoring just before half-time. A flick on by Evans presented Adrian Littlejohn with the opportunity to redeem his earlier miss, but he dragged his shot wide.
leading by example with a number of forceful tackles. The pivotal moment arrived on 65 minutes after Martin Barlow
had earnt a corner-kick on the right-hand side. Leadbitter played the ball short to full back Mark Patterson
, whose well-measured cross was met firmly by the unmarked Mauge to head into the back of the net. Darlington tried to force their way back into the match, but were being thwarted by Plymouth Argyle captain Michael Heathcote
and his defensive colleagues which left strikers Robbie Blake
and Robbie Painter
, who both scored in the semi-finals, with little to work on. As Darlington committed more players forward in search of an equaliser they left themselves exposed in defence which gave the leading side more space to launch counter-attacks. Evans and Littlejohn threatened to score the decisive second goal, but in the end Mauge's headed finish mid-way through the second half proved to be enough to claim the final promotion place for the team from Devon
. The match was by no means a classic, with serious goalscoring chances at a premium, but to the winners it didn't matter.
Warnock was also full of praise for his counterpart, Jim Platt, commenting that "He should be made manager of the year for what he's done at that club". Citing Darlington's financial worries "Everyone thought they would blow up, but they didn't - they got within an ace. Unfortunately, someone has to lose". Platt, a former Northern Ireland
international, was equally optimistic. He said "My side is very young - nearly all of them in their early 20s. I think we will be here again next season or go up automatically - if we can keep the side together".
As a result of their victory, Plymouth Argyle returned to the third tier of English football just one year after being relegated to the fourth tier for the first time in its history. They returned to the Third Division two years later before being promoted as champions in 2002, and the club followed that up by winning the Second Division in 2004, to reclaim their place in the second tier of English football after a twelve year hiatus. For Darlington, there was to be more disappointment in the play-offs four years later under David Hodgson
, Platt's successor. They reached the Third Division final in 2000, the last to be played at the original Wembley Stadium, and were defeated 1–0 again; on this occasion to Peterborough United
.
}
CM
11
Chris Leadbitter
CF
9
Adrian Littlejohn
CF
10
Michael Evans
Substitutes:
MF
13
Chris Billy
FW
14
Ian Baird
FW
15
Carlo Corazzin
Manager:
Neil Warnock
|valign="top"|
|valign="top" width="50%"|
} ||
|-
|CB ||4 || Andy Crosby
(c)
|-
|CB ||5 || Sean Gregan
|-
|CB ||6 || Phil Brumwell
|-
|WB ||3 || Mark Barnard
|-
|CM ||7 || Steven Gaughan
|| ||
|-
|CM ||8 || Gary Bannister
|-
|CM ||11|| Tony Carss
|-
|FW ||9 || Robbie Painter
|-
|FW ||10|| Robbie Blake
|-
|colspan=4|Substitutes:
|-
|DF ||13|| Paul Mattison
|-
|MF ||14|| Gary Twynham
|-
|FW ||15|| Matt Carmichael
|| ||
|-
|colspan=4|Manager:
|-
|colspan="4"|
Jim Platt
|}
|}
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
from the Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
of the Football League in the 1995–96 season
1995-96 in English football
- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....
.
It was contested by Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
, who finished fourth in the Third Division table, and Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
, who finished fifth. The teams reached the final by defeating Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Hereford United
Hereford United F.C.
Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',...
respectively in the two-legged semi-finals.
Plymouth Argyle won the match 1–0 thanks to a headed goal from Ronnie Mauge
Ronnie Mauge
Ronald Carlton "Ronnie" Mauge is an English former professional footballer, who played for Fulham, Bury, Manchester City, Plymouth Argyle, and Bristol Rovers. He also won caps for the Trinidad and Tobago national team.-Biography:...
to gain promotion back to the third tier of English football
Football in England
Association football is a national sport in England, where the first modern set of rules for the code were established in 1863, which were a major influence on the development of the modern Laws of the Game...
one season after being relegated. For the club's manager, Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
, it was his fourth success in the play-offs as a manager, having achieved it twice with Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
and once with Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
. His counterpart, Jim Platt
Jim Platt
James Archibald 'Jim' Platt is a former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Northern Ireland.-Playing career:...
, would leave full-time management at the end of that year.
Route to the final
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Preston North End Preston North End F.C. Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One... |
46 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 78 | 38 | 86 |
| 2. | Gillingham Gillingham F.C. Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium... |
46 | 22 | 17 | 7 | 49 | 20 | 83 |
| 3. | Bury Bury F.C. Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the... |
46 | 22 | 13 | 11 | 66 | 48 | 79 |
| 4. | Plymouth Argyle Plymouth Argyle F.C. Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the... |
46 | 22 | 12 | 12 | 68 | 49 | 78 |
| 5. | Darlington Darlington F.C. Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003... |
46 | 20 | 18 | 8 | 60 | 42 | 78 |
| 6. | Hereford United Hereford United F.C. Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',... |
46 | 20 | 14 | 12 | 65 | 47 | 74 |
| 7. | Colchester United Colchester United F.C. Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910.... |
46 | 18 | 18 | 10 | 61 | 51 | 72 |
Plymouth Argyle had finished the 1995–96 Football League season in fourth place in the Third Division, one place ahead of Darlington. Therefore, both missed out on the three automatic promotion places and instead took part in the play-offs
Football League Play-Offs
The Football League play-offs are an annual series of football matches to determine some of the promotion places within the Football League. Essentially, each division of the league offers a certain number of automatic promotion places to the top two or three clubs. A further promotion place is...
to determine who would join Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
, Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
, and Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
as the fourth promoted team. On the final day of the league season, Plymouth Argyle had the opportunity to finish third in the table and thereby clinch the final automatic promotion place but a 3–0 win at Home Park against Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
was not enough to overtake Bury, after they also won 3–0 at home to Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
.
In the play-off semi-finals, Darlington were paired with sixth-placed Hereford United
Hereford United F.C.
Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',...
and Plymouth Argyle with seventh-place finishers Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
. Darlington won their first leg tie 2–1 at Edgar Street courtesy of goals from Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake
Robert James "Robbie" Blake is an English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League...
and Sean Gregan
Sean Gregan
Sean Matthew Gregan is an English professional footballer. A defender, he has played in all of the top four leagues in England.- Early career :...
. They also won the second leg by the same scoreline at Feethams with Matty Appleby
Matty Appleby
Matthew 'Matty' Appleby is a former English football midfielder who retired in 2008. He played in the Premiership with Barnsley and had a distinguished spell at Darlington, before dropping into non-League and eventually leaving football to become a deep-sea diver.-As a player:Newcastle...
and Robbie Painter
Robbie Painter
Robbie Painter is a former English professional footballer. He played in The Football League for six clubs between 1987 and 2001, usually as a striker.-Playing career:...
on the scoresheet.
Plymouth Argyle lost the first leg of their semi-final tie 1–0 at Layer Road after a goal from Mark Kinsella
Mark Kinsella
Mark Anthony Kinsella is an Irish former professional footballer and current football coach. He played as a central midfielder for most of his career....
, but they responded in the second leg at Home Park. Goals from Michael Evans, Chris Leadbitter
Chris Leadbitter
Christopher Jonathan Leadbitter is an English former footballer who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League playing as a midfielder for Hereford United, Cambridge United, A.F.C. Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United.-Career:Leadbitter was born in Middlesbrough and began his...
and Paul Williams
Paul Williams (footballer born 1969)
Paul Richard Curtis Williams was a professional footballer, probably most remembered for his time at Plymouth Argyle in the mid-1990s.-External links:...
were enough to secure a 3–1 win and a 3–2 victory on aggregate. The results set up a first visit to Wembley Stadium for the supporters of both clubs.
| Plymouth Argyle | Darlington | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opponent | Result | Legs | Round | Opponent | Result | Legs |
| Colchester United Colchester United F.C. Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910.... |
3–2 | 0–1 away; 3–1 home | Semi-finals | Hereford United Hereford United F.C. Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',... |
4–2 | 2–1 away; 2–1 home |
Match summary
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
to the third tier of the English football league system
English football league system
The English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for association football clubs in England, with six teams from Wales also competing...
, at the time called the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
, a familiar place for both sides. In its previous 68 seasons as a Football League club, Plymouth Argyle competed exclusively in the second and third tiers, exactly 34 seasons each. While Darlington had featured in the second tier just twice, competing in the third tier on 32 occasions and the fourth tier another 32 times. The official attendance of 43,431 was a record for a play-off final at that level, beating the previous record set in 1994, until it was bettered a year later by 3,373 spectators. There was also a significant disparity in the number of tickets sold to the supporters of the two clubs, with fewer than 10,000 Darlington fans in attendance compared to 35,000 fans representing Plymouth Argyle.
Plymouth Argyle manager Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
picked ten players who had started both of the clubs semi-final matches, with Ronnie Mauge
Ronnie Mauge
Ronald Carlton "Ronnie" Mauge is an English former professional footballer, who played for Fulham, Bury, Manchester City, Plymouth Argyle, and Bristol Rovers. He also won caps for the Trinidad and Tobago national team.-Biography:...
keeping his place in the team having replaced Chris Billy for the second leg. The match was to be goalkeeper Steve Cherry
Steve Cherry
Steven Richard Cherry is an English former footballer.-Playing career:Cherry started his career with Derby County, at County he joined Port Vale on loan in November 1980...
's last for the club, having returned for a second stint with the club three months earlier. Darlington manager Jim Platt
Jim Platt
James Archibald 'Jim' Platt is a former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Northern Ireland.-Playing career:...
, who was taking charge of the team for the last time before the return of David Hodgson
David Hodgson (footballer)
David James Hodgson , is an English former footballer who played for Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Norwich City, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as lower division clubs and teams in France, Japan, and Spain....
, made one change to the side that secured progress from the semi-final stage with Tony Carss
Tony Carss
Anthony John "Tony" Carss was a professional footballer who started his career with Blackburn Rovers, and went on to Darlington, Cardiff City, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Huddersfield Town....
coming in at the expense of Matt Carmichael
Matt Carmichael (footballer)
Matthew Carmichael is a former English footballer who played 249 games in the Football league, scoring 48 times. He is currently the acting kit manager at Lincoln City.-League career:...
. The final would prove to be Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
Matty Appleby
Matty Appleby
Matthew 'Matty' Appleby is a former English football midfielder who retired in 2008. He played in the Premiership with Barnsley and had a distinguished spell at Darlington, before dropping into non-League and eventually leaving football to become a deep-sea diver.-As a player:Newcastle...
's last for Darlington.
First half
Darlington were the first to settle with Gary BannisterGary Bannister
Gary Bannister is a former English professional footballer who played for Coventry City , Sheffield Wednesday, Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, Oxford United, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Lincoln City and Darlington...
a prominent player in midfield, but Plymouth Argyle eventually found their rhythm and had the first real goalscoring opportunity after ten minutes. Adrian Littlejohn
Adrian Littlejohn
Adrian Sylvester Littlejohn is an English former footballer, who played as a midfielder and a striker.-Playing career:...
found space after a one-two with Michael Evans, but his first touch let him down and the opportunity was not taken. Darlington's main threat was coming from attacking full back Appleby and he had their best chance of the match mid-way through the first half. He carved out the initial chance, having carried the ball half the length of the pitch, but team-mate Steven Gaughan was unable to convert. The hasty clearance from Argyle found its way back to Appleby but he sent his shot over the crossbar with goalkeeper Cherry completely exposed.
Plymouth Argyle came close to making their opponents pay for their profligacy in front of goal with Evans lifting a volley over the crossbar. Darlington's captain Andy Crosby
Andy Crosby
Andrew Keith "Andy" Crosby is an English footballer / assistant manager who plays as a defender. He is now Nigel Adkins' player-assistant manager at Southampton.-Career:Crosby was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire...
was proving to be a formidable figure at the heart of his teams defence, but Argyle fashioned another chance to open the scoring just before half-time. A flick on by Evans presented Adrian Littlejohn with the opportunity to redeem his earlier miss, but he dragged his shot wide.
Second half
There were few clear-cut chances at the start of the second half, but Plymouth Argyle were winning the midfield battle with Mauge and Chris LeadbitterChris Leadbitter
Christopher Jonathan Leadbitter is an English former footballer who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League playing as a midfielder for Hereford United, Cambridge United, A.F.C. Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United.-Career:Leadbitter was born in Middlesbrough and began his...
leading by example with a number of forceful tackles. The pivotal moment arrived on 65 minutes after Martin Barlow
Martin Barlow
Martin David Barlow is a retired English professional footballer who played as a midfielder.Barlow was born in Barnstaple. He began his career as an apprentice with Football League club Plymouth Argyle and progressed through the club's youth system to make his first team debut on 6 May 1989 in a...
had earnt a corner-kick on the right-hand side. Leadbitter played the ball short to full back Mark Patterson
Mark Patterson
Mark Patterson is an English former footballer who made nearly 500 appearances in the Football League playing as a midfielder for Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, Bury, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Southend United and Blackpool...
, whose well-measured cross was met firmly by the unmarked Mauge to head into the back of the net. Darlington tried to force their way back into the match, but were being thwarted by Plymouth Argyle captain Michael Heathcote
Michael Heathcote
Michael 'Mick' Heathcote is a former English professional footballer who played as a defender for several clubs, including Sunderland, Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle.-Playing career:...
and his defensive colleagues which left strikers Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake
Robert James "Robbie" Blake is an English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League...
and Robbie Painter
Robbie Painter
Robbie Painter is a former English professional footballer. He played in The Football League for six clubs between 1987 and 2001, usually as a striker.-Playing career:...
, who both scored in the semi-finals, with little to work on. As Darlington committed more players forward in search of an equaliser they left themselves exposed in defence which gave the leading side more space to launch counter-attacks. Evans and Littlejohn threatened to score the decisive second goal, but in the end Mauge's headed finish mid-way through the second half proved to be enough to claim the final promotion place for the team from Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. The match was by no means a classic, with serious goalscoring chances at a premium, but to the winners it didn't matter.
Post-match
After the final whistle Plymouth Argyle's captain Michael Heathcote received the winners' trophy before parading it in front of the clubs supporters on the pitch. For the clubs manager, Neil Warnock, it was his fourth play-off success at Wembley Stadium. He commented on his past experiences that "It can't be a hindrance, having done it before, but it doesn't make it any less tense. It makes it a very long season. I had booked a holiday starting today - I suppose I should have known better".Warnock was also full of praise for his counterpart, Jim Platt, commenting that "He should be made manager of the year for what he's done at that club". Citing Darlington's financial worries "Everyone thought they would blow up, but they didn't - they got within an ace. Unfortunately, someone has to lose". Platt, a former Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
international, was equally optimistic. He said "My side is very young - nearly all of them in their early 20s. I think we will be here again next season or go up automatically - if we can keep the side together".
As a result of their victory, Plymouth Argyle returned to the third tier of English football just one year after being relegated to the fourth tier for the first time in its history. They returned to the Third Division two years later before being promoted as champions in 2002, and the club followed that up by winning the Second Division in 2004, to reclaim their place in the second tier of English football after a twelve year hiatus. For Darlington, there was to be more disappointment in the play-offs four years later under David Hodgson
David Hodgson (footballer)
David James Hodgson , is an English former footballer who played for Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Norwich City, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as lower division clubs and teams in France, Japan, and Spain....
, Platt's successor. They reached the Third Division final in 2000, the last to be played at the original Wembley Stadium, and were defeated 1–0 again; on this occasion to Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
.
Match details
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> | PLYMOUTH ARGYLE: | |
| GK | 1 | Steve Cherry Steve Cherry Steven Richard Cherry is an English former footballer.-Playing career:Cherry started his career with Derby County, at County he joined Port Vale on loan in November 1980... |
| WB | 2 | Mark Patterson Mark Patterson (footballer born 1968) Mark Patterson is an English former professional footballer. He played over 300 Football League matches for Carlisle United, Derby County, Plymouth Argyle and Gillingham between 1986 and 2002.-Playing career:... |
| CB | 4 | Chris Curran Chris Curran (footballer) Christopher Curran is an English former professional footballer.Curran was born in Birmingham and began his career as a trainee with Torquay United, making his debut during the 1989-90 season whilst still a trainee. He turned professional on 13 July 1990 and went on to make 152 appearances for the... |
| CB | 5 | Mick Heathcote (c) |
| CB | 6 | Richard Logan Richard Logan (footballer born 1969) Richard Logan is a retired English professional footballer. He began his career as a midfielder before moving to centre half... |
| WB | 3 | Paul Williams Paul Williams (footballer born 1969) Paul Richard Curtis Williams was a professional footballer, probably most remembered for his time at Plymouth Argyle in the mid-1990s.-External links:... |
| CM | 7 | Martin Barlow Martin Barlow Martin David Barlow is a retired English professional footballer who played as a midfielder.Barlow was born in Barnstaple. He began his career as an apprentice with Football League club Plymouth Argyle and progressed through the club's youth system to make his first team debut on 6 May 1989 in a... |
| CM | 8 |  Ronnie MaugeRonnie Mauge Ronald Carlton "Ronnie" Mauge is an English former professional footballer, who played for Fulham, Bury, Manchester City, Plymouth Argyle, and Bristol Rovers. He also won caps for the Trinidad and Tobago national team.-Biography:... |
Chris LeadbitterChris Leadbitter
Christopher Jonathan Leadbitter is an English former footballer who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League playing as a midfielder for Hereford United, Cambridge United, A.F.C. Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United.-Career:Leadbitter was born in Middlesbrough and began his...
Adrian LittlejohnAdrian Littlejohn
Adrian Sylvester Littlejohn is an English former footballer, who played as a midfielder and a striker.-Playing career:...
Michael Evans Chris Billy Ian BairdIan Baird
Ian Baird is an ex-professional footballer whose most notable spell was as a player for Leeds United. He had two spells at the club with his first spell having a season as captain and his second spell including a player of the year award and just after he left, he got a second division...
Carlo CorazzinCarlo Corazzin
Giancarlo Michele 'Carlo' Corazzin is a former professional Canadian soccer player who has appeared for the Canadian national team 59 times and has scored 11 goals. He is of Italian descent.-Club career:...
Neil WarnockNeil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
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| DARLINGTON: | ||
| GK | 1 | Paul Newell Paul Newell Paul Clayton Newell is a former English professional footballer. He played as a goalkeeper for Southend United, Leyton Orient, Colchester United, Barnet and Darlington in The Football League between 1987 and 1997... |
| WB | 2 | Matty Appleby Matty Appleby Matthew 'Matty' Appleby is a former English football midfielder who retired in 2008. He played in the Premiership with Barnsley and had a distinguished spell at Darlington, before dropping into non-League and eventually leaving football to become a deep-sea diver.-As a player:Newcastle... |
|-
|CB ||4 ||
Andy CrosbyAndy Crosby
Andrew Keith "Andy" Crosby is an English footballer / assistant manager who plays as a defender. He is now Nigel Adkins' player-assistant manager at Southampton.-Career:Crosby was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire...
(c)
|-
|CB ||5 ||
Sean GreganSean Gregan
Sean Matthew Gregan is an English professional footballer. A defender, he has played in all of the top four leagues in England.- Early career :...
|-
|CB ||6 ||
Phil BrumwellPhil Brumwell
Phil Brumwell is a former professional footballer who played in The Football League for Darlington and Hull City.-References:...
|-
|WB ||3 ||
Mark BarnardMark Barnard (footballer)
Mark Barnard is a professional footballer currently playing with Conference North side Alfreton Town, where he plays left-back.Barnard started his career back in July 1994 with Rotherham United as a trainee...
|-
|CM ||7 ||
Steven GaughanSteven Gaughan
Steven Edward Gaughan was an English footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in The Football League.-External links:*...
|| ||
|-
|CM ||8 ||
Gary BannisterGary Bannister
Gary Bannister is a former English professional footballer who played for Coventry City , Sheffield Wednesday, Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, Oxford United, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Lincoln City and Darlington...
|-
|CM ||11||
Tony CarssTony Carss
Anthony John "Tony" Carss was a professional footballer who started his career with Blackburn Rovers, and went on to Darlington, Cardiff City, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Huddersfield Town....
|-
|FW ||9 ||
Robbie PainterRobbie Painter
Robbie Painter is a former English professional footballer. He played in The Football League for six clubs between 1987 and 2001, usually as a striker.-Playing career:...
|-
|FW ||10||
Robbie BlakeRobbie Blake
Robert James "Robbie" Blake is an English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League...
|-
|colspan=4|Substitutes:
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|DF ||13||
Paul MattisonPaul Mattison
Paul Andrew Mattison was an English footballer who played as a midfielder for Darlington in The Football League.-External links:*...
|-
|MF ||14||
Gary TwynhamGary Twynham
Gary Steven Twynham was an English footballer who played as a midfielder for Darlington and Macclesfield Town in The Football League.-External links:*...
|-
|FW ||15||
Matt CarmichaelMatt Carmichael (footballer)
Matthew Carmichael is a former English footballer who played 249 games in the Football league, scoring 48 times. He is currently the acting kit manager at Lincoln City.-League career:...
|| ||
|-
|colspan=4|Manager:
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|colspan="4"|
Jim PlattJim Platt
James Archibald 'Jim' Platt is a former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Northern Ireland.-Playing career:...
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MATCH RULES
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See also
- 1996 Football League First Division play-off Final1996 Football League First Division play-off FinalThe 1996 Football League First Division play-off Final was a football match played at Wembley Stadium, London on May 27 1996 at the end of the 1995–96 season. The match determined the third and final team to gain promotion from First Division to the Premiership, and was contested by Leicester City,...
- 1996 Football League Second Division play-off Final1996 Football League Second Division play-off FinalThe 1996 Football League Second Division play-off Final was a football match played at Wembley Stadium on 26 May 1996, at the end of the 1995–96 English league season to determine the final promoted side from the Second Division. Bradford City beat Notts County 2–0 to join Swindon Town and Oxford...