Rotherham United beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1 after extra time at Wembley Stadium to earn promotion back to the Championship, 12 months on from their relegation.
The Millers took a deserved lead into the interval through Richard Wood's header, only for Alex Rodman to level things up an hour into the contest.
Rotherham, who missed a penalty at 0-0, always looked the more likely to win the match and they did so in extra time through Wood's second of the game.
Relive how the 90 minutes of action unfolded with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the League One playoff final tie between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town at Wembley Stadium. The Millers are seeking an instant return to the Championship, having been relegated just 12 months ago, while their opponents last competed in the second tier of English football in 1989.
Rotherham may have the proven pedigree, but they finished eight points adrift of Shrewsbury in the end-of-season standings. This is a fixture that the Blues tend to do well in, too, albeit with more inconsistent results in recent times - more on that a little later - ensuring that we should have a decent game on our hands this afternoon. Less than 24 hours after Fulham were promoted to the top flight, which of these sides will replace them in the Championship?
ROTHERHAM UNITED TEAM NEWS!
STARTING XI: Rodak; Emmanuel, Ajayi, Wood, Mattock; Taylor, Vaulks, Towell, Newell; Ball, Smith
SUBS: Price, Cummings, Purrington, Forde, Palmer, Williams, Lavery
Starting with a look at Rotherham's starting lineup, boss Paul Warne has opted to go with David Ball and Michael Smith in the forward line. Joe Newell will also play a key role in attack, having been directly involved in 16 goals in all competitions this term, netting eight of his own and setting up another eight for teammates. That form has been continued throughout, in fact, as he has two goals and two assists in his last five matches.
Newell registered in the semi-final win against Scunthorpe United, so he is certainly one of the key men to watch this afternoon. At the opposite end of the field, Semi Ajayi and Richard Wood are used in the heart of defence for a Rotherham side that looked better in attack than defence in the regular season. It is a 4-4-2 formation of sorts named by Warne, who is without Jamie Proctor and Darren Potter due to injury.
SHREWSBURY TOWN TEAM NEWS!
STARTING XI: Henderson; Bolton, Sadler, Nsiala, Beckles; Godfrey; Whalley, Nolan, B.Morris, Rodman; C.Morris
SUBS: MacGillivray, Riley, Lowe, Brown, John-Lewis, Jones, Payne
I make it three changes in all for Rotherham, with Ajayi and Ball being joined by Jon Taylor in the starting lineup. A little surprising to see Warne chop and change, but he has done well to get his side this far and will no doubt be confident in the ability of the XI fielded today. Opposite number Paul Hurst, meanwhile, has gone with the same side that beat Charlton Athletic.
The only difference in personnel on the Town bench is the return of Junior Brown. Shaun Whalley will therefore start out wide, aiming to build on what has been an impressive individual campaign thank to his eight goals and 12 assists. The most recent of those assists came in the second-leg win against Charlton when setting up Carlton Morris, ensuring that he has been Shrewsbury's most creative player.
Morris has just that one goal in his last 13 matches - what a time to score it, too, as he killed off Charlton's hopes of a comeback at The Valley a week-and-a-half ago. No doubt that Whalley will be key if the Blues are to go up today, playing a part in more league goals for his side this term than any other player. Jon Nolan has also chipped in with 10 goals from midfield, including one against Athletic in the first leg.
Paul Warne has made three changes to Rotherham United's starting lineup for this afternoon's League One playoff final, bringing in Semi Ajayi, David Ball and Jon Taylor. Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst sticks with a winning formula, meanwhile, going with the same XI that managed to overcome Charlton Athletic in the two-legged semi-final.
Rotherham finished the regular League One campaign fourth in the table, eight points adrift of their opponents. The Millers are seeking an instant return to the Championship after seeing their three-year stay come to an end last season, dropping down with a rather pathetic 23-point tally. Far more will be required from them if they do go back up, although survival will remain the top priority.
United endured a difficult run between October and early December when going seven matches without a win, but they than put together a 14-match unbeaten streak that saw them collect 36 points from a possible 42. The form of Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, who themselves dropped out of the Championship 12 months ago, meant that finishing in the automatic spots was never a realistic target for Warne's men.
Shrewsbury kept adding points to the board right up until the end of the season and they pretty comfortably nailed down a playoff berth, eventually finishing 11 points better off than seventh-placed Plymouth Argyle. Momentum was on their side heading into the semi-finals, and they beat Scunthorpe 4-2 on aggregate. That could have been a tricky assignment; full credit for passing it with flying colours.
A 2-2 draw at Glanford Park was a bitter pill to swallow, as Cameron McGeehan scored late on for the Irons. Rotherham won the return match 2-0 at the New York Stadium, however, thanks to goals from Richard Wood and Will Vaulks either side of the half-time interval, keeping them on course for an instant second-tier return. If they do go up, it will be the first time since 06-07 that three relegated teams have earned an immediate reprieve.
On that occasion, Hartlepool, Swindon and Walsall all dropped out of League One before earning promotion from League Two the following year. This is United's third playoff final, losing the League Two showpiece against Dagenham & Redbridge in 2010, before beating Leyton Orient on penalties at this level in 2014 when Steve Evans was manager. A mixed return, then, but their most recent match of this magnitude ended in joy.
Warne knows namesake and opposite number Hurst well, having spent six years together in the same Rotherham side during their playing days until 2005. This is the 45-year-old's first senior job, but he is very much part of the furniture around these parts as he has been involved in the coaching setup in some capacity since May 2012. Then, after Kenny Jackett walked out in November 2016, Warne was given his big chance.
Rotherham were victorious on their last visit to this ground when beating Leyton Orient on penalties in the League One playoff final, despite finding themselves a couple of goals down at the break. Alex Revell was the hero, netting twice - the second an unbelievable long-range strike - to earn his side a 2-2 draw after extra time, and the Millers then prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Shrewsbury Town were unbeaten in 11 consecutive games against Rotherham United in all competitions between 2008 and 2013, but they have since lost two of their last three meetings. Salop won 2-1 at the New York Stadium in November through a late Stefan Payne goal, while the Millers won 1-0 at New Meadow three months ago.
Rotherham United are aiming to return to the Championship after a one-year absence, having dropped down a division with a terrible return of 23 points. Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers have led the way in the third tier by going up automatically, and now for the first time since 2006-07 all three relegated teams could well go back up.
Shrewsbury come into this match on the back of a third-placed finish in the League One standings, accruing an impressive 87 points but still finishing nine short of Blackburn in second. Whereas Rotherham have recent experience of playing in the Championship, the Blues have not competed at that level since 1988-89 - a return, then, is long overdue. They started their season in an incredible manner, going 15 matches unbeaten from the off.
Eleven of those 15 games resulted in victory, leaving them in automatic promotion contention until the latter stages of the season. Town have been pretty consistent throughout the campaign, although one win from their final six matches saw their momentum dry up a little. That sole victory came at home to Plymouth Argyle on April 24, with Wigan and Blackburn able to take full advantage.
There may have been a disappointment at missing out on the top two after making such an incredible start to the season, but Shrewsbury have looked good in the playoffs as they have already earned back-to-back 1-0 wins against Charlton Athletic. Jon Nolan and Carlton Morris were on target for the Blues across the two legs, cementing a straightforward path to Wembley and a second visit this year.
DID YOU KNOW? Like opponents Rotherham United, this is Shrewsbury Town's third playoff final, losing the previous two, both at League Two level, in 2007 and 2009. The Blues have played at Wembley Stadium on four occasions, meanwhile, and lost all four, including the Football League Trophy final against Lincoln City in April when going down 1-0.
Only Brentford, who have lost on all five of their visits to the national stadium, have a worse record than Town in that regard. In six of the last seven playoff finals in the third tier between teams that finished third and fourth, meanwhile, the side in fourth has gone on to win promotion - another bad omen for them. However, the exception was in the most recent-such encounter; Preston North End crushing Swindon 4-0 in 2015.
Shrewsbury hold claim to the second-best defence in the third tier behind only champions Wigan Athletic, conceding just 39 goals all term and keeping 16 clean sheets, on top of the two shutouts against Charlton Athletic in the semi-finals. Six sides had a better defensive record than Rotherham, but the Millers do boast the better attacking stats, as they scored 73 goals in the regular season.
Kieffer Moore still leads the scoring charts for the Millers with 13, despite being lured away by Barnsley midway through the season, while Stefan Payne has netted 11 of Salop's 60 goals. These playoff matches are so often decided by the odd goal and can be cagey affairs, so a moment of magic - much like Revell's strike the last time Rotherham were here - may well be required.
With kickoff at Wembley Stadium now less than 10 minutes away, let us check out some pre-match thoughts from both camps.
Paul Warne: "I'm a pretty happy person so I'm not going there not intending to enjoy myself. When the lads warm up they will be hugely nervous but once you start the nerves dissipate and it is just a game on some different grass. We look at the best way we think we can hurt them and the best way we can stop them playing. The fact it is at Wembley and a play-off final does not affect the way we set up tactically. Shrewsbury know what to expect but they also know the disappointment of defeat. No doubt Hursty will have them pumped and ready to go."
Paul Hurst: "A lot of people would love to be in the position we're in now. We just hope there's one very special day left. We wanted to win the Checkatrade Trophy final, to get the chance to put our name in the history books. We wanted automatic promotion and we just fell short. When we perhaps lost our way slightly in the two semi-final games against Charlton, we stayed strong and put bodies on the line. But we have good people who work hard and commit to the shirt. And that's what we have to do again on Sunday."
One thing yet to be mentioned is that Shrews boss Paul Hurst is expected to be named as Ipswich Town's manager within the next 48 hours. Nothing concrete in that regard right now, but you have to wonder how that will affect his mindset this afternoon - he is going to be managing in the Championship next term regardless of today's outcome. Hurst has a strong bond with Warne, who he played alongside for six years until 2005.
Warne admits that this will be a nervy occasion for him and his players, as they seek that swift return to the Championship. Rotherham, bar a difficult run in October through to early December, have been fairly consistent throughout the campaign and have built up some momentum heading into this match. This is their third playoff final, remember, winning one and losing one of those previous encounters.
Hurst admits to being disappointed at falling just short in the EFL Trophy final here earlier this year, while also being gutted at missing out on automatic promotion to the Championship. Just 90 minutes stand between Salop and a return to the second tier of English football, however, having last competed at that level some 29 years ago. Kickoff in London is now just a couple of minutes away...
KICKOFF! We are up and running in the League One playoff final at Wembley Stadium! Shrewsbury Town, beaten here in the EFL Trophy final less than two months ago, are looking to make a fast start in search of a first win here.
Decent opportunity for Rotherham goes begging early on, as Ball charged into space down the right and pulled it back into a dangerous area. Smith was the man waiting for it, only for the ball to skid past him and ultimately to safety.
Rotherham keeper Rodak called into action for the first time today, doing well to get something to a dangerous Whalley delivery into the box. Positive start to the match, in what could well be a contest decided by the opening goal.
PENALTY APPEAL! A big call for the referee to make early on here, as Taylor's cutback was prodded goalwards by Towell and hit the arm of Beckles. Would have been a harsh one had it been given, with United the team looking the more threatening.
PENALTY SAVED! Incredible! Moments after having a penalty appeal rejected, the referee this time decided to point to the spot as Beckles dragged down Wood. Ball was the man to step up, only to be denied by an impressive Henderson save.
Henderson is highly rated at club side Manchester United, and it is clear to see why after that penalty save. A big call from the referee, who was right in pointing to the spot. Shrewsbury will now have a spring in their step.
Rotherham are still the more threatening side, particularly down the right-hand flank. One penalty appeal rejected and another given in the first 13 minutes, it has been a fast start from the team that finished fourth in the division.
Shrewsbury unable to really get going so far, and manager Paul Hurst will just be grateful that his side are not behind. He has Dean Henderson to thank for that; the 21-year-old goalkeeper producing a good save to keep out David Ball's spot kick.
BLOCK! Rodman gets in pretty much Shrewsbury's first real shot of the afternoon, which Wood did well to block away in front of goal. Up the other end, Wood was unable to turn his header goalwards from a corner in another let-off for the Shrews.
Rotherham are really starting to build some momentum now as they look to net what could be a priceless opening goal. Whalley sends a good ball into the box up the other end, which is just over the head of Rodman at the back post.
The Millers are still the better side with a quarter of the match now played, but Shrewsbury have had their moments, too. May have been a different story had the penalty been converted, yet as things stand we remain delicately poised.
Hurst is urging his side on down on the touchline, sporting different attire to what we saw in the EFL Trophy final - he is a very superstitious man. Taylor is played in behind by Ball, but the offside flag correctly went up.
YELLOW CARD! Shaun Whalley is shown the game's first yellow card after leading with his arm in a challenge with Mattock. A nasty one, that, and the referee appeared to make the correct call in showing the Shrews ace a yellow.
Still waiting for Town to really get going. They finished eight points better off that Rotherham at the end of the regular season, remember, but at the moment they are second best and grateful to still be level at 0-0.
Whalley gets a decent enough delivery into the box for Wood to clear. The Blues have showed signs of settling over the past few minutes, but they need to start creating chances if they are to truly trouble their opponents.
More than a third of the match played and we are still awaiting the first shot on goal from open play. It was always likely to be a nervy affair, perhaps best summed up by that missed Ball penalty inside the opening 10 minutes.
GOAL! ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-0 SHREWSBURY TOWN (RICHARD WOOD)
A minute or so after Carlton Morris came close with a header from Nolan's cross at one end, sending the ball inches wide of the far post, Richard Wood opens the scoring at the other end. The skipper watched the flight of the corner all the way, getting in front of Beckles to head it past Henderson.
Beckles has been terrible in this first half, it must be said. He gave away a penalty, lost his man for that goal and was also fortunate not to be punished for handball. That could be a key goal for Rotherham, with a little over half of the match to go.
Not entirely sure what Shrewsbury's gameplan is. James Bolton is the latest player to produce a strong challenge, becoming the second Town player to enter the referee's book. Half time cannot come soon enough for Paul Hurst.
Ball cannot quite get on the end of a cross that run through the box. Rotherham would love a second before the break at Wembley Stadium, knowing that their opponents will surely come out much improved after the 15-minute break.
Yorkshire getting the better of Shropshire so far, with Wood giving Rotherham a deserved lead over Shrewsbury. A couple of minutes of the first half to play, on top of one or two additional minutes. Can the Shrews create something... anything?
We are at the end of normal time in the first half, with neither side truly looking likely to find the game's second goal. Paul Hurst may well be tempted to tinker with things slightly at the break, with his side needing a goal.
HALF TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-0 SHREWSBURY TOWN
Towell's half-volley over the crossbar was the final meaningful act of the first half. Rotherham take a one-goal lead into the break, given to them by Richard Wood a little over half an hour in. Still plenty to play for in the second 45!
Paul Warne took the decision to make three changes to United's starting lineup, and it was his side who had the better of things in the first half. After a couple of early crosses into the box, Omar Beckles was grateful that the referee waved away penalty appeals after one clearance popped up and hit him on the arm.
The centre-back was not so fortunate two minutes later, though, as he was penalised for dragging down Richard Wood inside the box. Highly-rated Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, on loan with the Shrews for the season, was equal to David Ball, though, giving his side a temporary reprieve.
Town have struggled to find any real rhythm, perhaps still haunted by their defeat in the EFL Trophy to Lincoln City here last month, with Alex Rodman's blocked shot and Carlton Morris's flicked header their only real sights of goal in the opening 45 minutes. Despite also not being at their best, Rotherham took a deserved lead into the interval as Wood again won his battle with Beckles by getting his head to a corner first to glance home.
RESTART! We are back under way at Wembley Stadium, where Shrewsbury Town are heading for a fifth defeat in five outings. No changes made by either manager at the interval, so it is as you were for this second half.
Better from the Blues as Morris charges into the opposition box and blasts the ball across the six-yard box. Rodman was the closest player to it but he could not quite turn it home, giving Rotherham a chance to regroup.
That really was good play from Carlton Morris and something we did not see enough of in the first half. Hurst clearly had plenty to say to his players at the interval if their fast start to the second period is anything to go by.
Rotherham continue to look threatening from aerial balls into the Shrewsbury box. A second goal may well be required to win this match, although Town have still yet to register a shot on their opponents' target - quiet afternoon for Rodak.
Not been the most gripping of games, truth by told, but playoff finals so rarely are these days as there is so much on the line. Shrews boss Paul Hurst looks as though he is already readying a change with 10 minutes of the second half played.
SHREWSBURY TOWN SUB! Stefan Payne is on for Bryn Morris in what has become a regular change. It is an alteration that Hurst may well have been tempted to make at the break, but Payne does at least have 34 minutes to make an impact.
GOAL! ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-1 SHREWSBURY TOWN (ALEX RODMAN)
This is a brilliantly-worked equaliser, rounded off by Alex Rodman! Shaun Whalley played a free kick into the path of Mat Sadler, who in turn spotted Rodman to tuck the ball home. Shrewsbury would have worked on that one over and over on the training ground.
Having been second best throughout the first half, Shrewsbury are now level and have momentum on their side thanks to that Rodman strike. A worry for them at the moment, though, because Carlton Morris has injured his leg and is down receiving treatment.
Play resumes following the stoppage for Morris to receive treatment. Morris, a key player for the Shrews this term, is back on his feet but it remains to be seen how long he will last. Town fans making all the noise at the moment.
It has become very stop-start since Shrewsbury levelled things up. Morris is again down on the floor and will surely now be taken off. John-Lewis has been sent to warm-up, with Town boss Hurst clearly wanting to give Morris every chance of recovering.
SHREWSBURY TOWN SUB! Carlton Morris admits defeat, limping off the field with a leg injury to be replaced by Lenell John-Lewis. Two changes made by Salop, whereas Rotherham boss Paul Warne still has all three available to make.
Approaching the final quarter of the game at Wembley Stadium, although as things stand we will require an additional period of 30 minutes. A game of few chances, with both teams netting from their only real opportunities from open play.
ROTHERHAM UNITED SUB! Here comes that first Rotherham change - Caolan Lavery on for David Ball. All very quiet down on the pitch at the moment, which has been the case from the momentum Shrewsbury levelled things up.
CHANCES! This playoff final has finally burst into life, as Newell's weak shot is stopped by Henderson and, a few moments later, Lavery had just Radek to beat. The substitute curled the ball a good yard wide.
CLOSE! It has taken a good 70 minutes but this game is finally opening up. Lavery again at the heart of Rotherham's attacking move, hitting the ball right at Henderson from 18 yards. Vaulks then sent a shot wide from 25 yards.
ROTHERHAM UNITED SUB! Hurst brought on Riley for the cautioned Bolton a few minutes ago for Shrewsbury's final change, and opposite number Warne has now made his second change - Ryan Williams on for Jon Taylor.
SHOT! John-Lewis gets away from his man and shoots across goal. Half a chance for the substitute striker, who was unable to find the target. A lively game on our hands now, with the final 10 minutes of normal time in sight.
We are now into the final 10 minutes at Wembley Stadium and this one remains too tough to call. Shrewsbury were poor in the second half but have looked a lot better in the second, and they will argue that they deserved their equaliser.
CHANCE! Another big, big chance to surely win the match goes begging. Michael Smith somehow stayed onside and had just Henderson to beat, but he got the ball stuck under his feet when attempting to round the keeper.
SAVES! Rotherham have far more energy and they are seriously knocking on the door now. Ryan Williams gets a shot away, which Henderson not only keeps out but also managed to keep hold of. Whalley's shot is held by Rodak at the other end.
Rotherham are looking the more lively and creating the better chances but, as that shot from Whalley shows, the Blues could also snatch victory. A good last-ditch challenge prevents Smith from getting a shot on goal from close range.
The 90 minutes are so nearly up at Wembley Stadium and Rotherham win themselves a corner. A couple of players appeared to get their head to the ball, but it looped nicely for Henderson to gather. Looks as though extra time will be needed.
Five minutes have been added on at Wembley, so there is still a chance that one of these sides could win it in normal time. The final quarter of the match has been gripping; fingers crossed for more of the same if we do go all the way.
SAVE! Vaulks hammers the ball wide from range for what looked likely to be the final chance at either end. Henderson then produced a monster of a save to push aside Williams's latest shot, though, with both sets of fans applauding.
FULL TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-1 SHREWSBURY TOWN (EXTRA TIME TO BE PLAYED)
There is nothing to separate the two sides at the end of the 90 minutes, meaning that we will play an additional 30 at Wembley Stadium. Richard Wood opened the scoring for Rotherham United, before Alex Rodman levelled up on the hour mark.
KICKOFF! In the hot temperature, this one will now come to fatigue, and on the basis of the last 15 minutes United look the fitter side. If not for Henderson's big save, we would not even have made it this far.
Will either side take any real gambles over the next 30 minutes or so? That has not been the case so far, with teams so often reluctant to commit bodies forward through fear of losing the match. Rotherham have more to lose, as they have been the better side.
Beckles can only clear the ball as far as Newell on the edge of the box, but the subsequent shot was pretty poor. United still look the more switched on and the message from Warne will be to keep going right until the end.
Williams does very well to get down the right and cut inside, where he is eventually brought down by the already-booked Whalley. Rodman is now down on the floor with a fair bit of blood coming from his head following an earlier clash of heads.
After a two-minute stoppage for Rodman to be dealt with, we are back under way at Wembley. No chances created by either side in the opening 10 minutes of extra time - will that change in the remaining 20 minutes? Plenty of the line here!
YELLOW CARD! Williams skips away from Sadler's challenge but cannot quite keep his composure. Play is pulled back for the Shrewsbury man, who has been very good at the back today, to receive the game's third caution.
GOAL! ROTHERHAM UNITED 2-1 SHREWSBURY TOWN (RICHARD WOOD)
It's that man again! Captain fantastic Richard Wood converts from another set-piece delivery, this time getting in front of John-Lewis to fire past Henderson with a first-time finish. Will that be enough for Rotherham to book a place in the Championship?
HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 2-1 SHREWSBURY TOWN
What a huge goal that could well prove to be from Richard Wood, who added to his earlier goal with that impressive finish towards the back post 104 minutes in. Shrewsbury now have to go all out, knowing that their season is 15 minutes from ending.
Fifteen minutes stands between Rotherham and a return to the Championship. Will they hold onto their slender lead or instead push on for a third, having already been pegged back once by their opponents this afternoon.
Been a while since Shrewsbury did much of anything, and they have not been able to really get the ball forward in the early stages of this second period. Ajayi has gone to ground in some pain after being caught around the neck by Payne.
Was wondering when Paul Warne was going to make his third change, and the answer is with 10 minutes of extra time left! Anthony Forde is on for the tired Joe Newell to help see things through. So far so good for United in this second period.
There has just been one serious effort in extra time - Richard Wood's strike to edge Rotherham back in front. Shrewsbury probing away but they have been second best on the whole this afternoon, and their season will surely end in disappointment.
Williams gets in the way to block a shot into the box from Whalley out on the right. Rotherham now having to defend a little more, with six minutes still on the clock. Will there be one big chance in the remainder of extra time?
It has all gone a little stop-start once again, which will suit Rotherham just fine. They have done very well to restrict their opponents, who have looked tired from about the 80th minute of this League One playoff final.
Two minutes of extra time left to be played at Wembley Stadium! Rotherham are so nearly there. As things stand, all three of last season's relegated clubs will earn an instant return to the Championship. Extremely tense here!
FULL TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 2-1 SHREWSBURY TOWN
ROTHERHAM UNITED ARE PROMOTED TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Rotherham United are back in the Championship after a season-long absence, joining Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers in earning a quickfire return. Centre-back Richard Wood was the hero of the day, netting either side of an impressive Alex Rodman goal to give those Millers fans plenty to cheer about in the stands.
That concludes Sports Mole's live text coverage of events from Wembley Stadium. An on-the-whistle report can be found by clicking here, and be sure to join us again at the same time tomorrow for updates from the League Two equivalent. See you then!
