Forty years of the EFL play-offs - choose your favourite memories
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, who later played for Leeds, gave the Addicks a 1-0 lead after their 'home' leg at Selhurst Park but just two days later (imagine the outcry now) 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. Alan McLoughlin (left) and Ossie Ardiles' 1990 celebrations were cut short 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 reasons.
But it is two experiences in the 1990s for which they will be remembered by many. Having finished in their highest league position of fourth in the second tier in 1990, Swindon disposed of Blackburn Rovers over a two-legged semi-final to reach the final at Wembley. The club had been under investigation since January 1990 for alleged financial irregularities, although the outcome of the inquiry was not due until after the final.
In the first year of a one-off final being played at the national stadium, Swindon faced Sunderland, who had beaten rivals Newcastle in the semi-finals. Alan McLoughlin's deflected 25th-minute goal won the game for Swindon and confirmed promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history - or so they thought. Ten days later, the club was found guilty of 35 counts of illegal payments.