Two goals from Peter Beagrie - one a controversial penalty and the second was followed by a vital sending off for John Hartson - and one from Dean Windass all but nailed the final nail into Wimbledon's coffin. The Wombles had bombed, while Bradford City, thanks to a single John Dreyer goal at Sunderland, had suddenly found their feet. Two weeks later, a single goal by David Wetherall and Southampton's demolition of Wimbledon, saw City stay up at Wimbledon's expense.
It ended up being a goal that arguably, nearly destroyed both clubs. The two did meet again before The Football League inexpliciably allowed Wimbledon to up sticks and move north. The club was shattered, its history at first divided between its rightful home in London and usurpers from the new town of Milton Keynes which immorally bought a place in the league. Instead, a phoenix club was born.
City's own uncertain path was very different of course. Two courses of administration, false dawns and too many relegations. A history told a million times. AFC Wimbledon's own numerous promotions now see the two teams meet again after the latter won 4-3 on penalties in today's Conference play-off final against Luton Town.
Well done to Wimbledon. Welcome back to The Football League.
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