Neal Ardley could not hide his delight or immense pride after guiding AFC Wimbledon to the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

The Dons went to Accrington Stanley defending a slender 1-0 lead from Saturday’s first leg, and all appeared lost when they found themselves 2-0 down on the hour.

However, goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa 10 minutes later, and Lyle Taylor in extra time, turned the result back in the Dons’ favour.

Even a floodlight failure could not prevent the Dons from seeing the tie out, and they will be heading to Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday to face Plymouth Argyle for a place in League One.

Ardley said: “We knew they were going to come at us, but that set of boys in the dressing room have amazing resilience and attitude.

“When we went 2-0 down we could have folded because Accrington Stanley had so much momentum, but they dug in and they kept going.

“We knew we had the legs, we knew at the latter stages of the game we would come strong.”

He added: “The atmosphere at the club and among the players is immense – we were tested, and to go 2-0 down and fight back is immense. I am so proud of them.

“It is a dream of mine to take my club to Wembley, but it is also great for the fans – they have been through so much for the past 14 year, and they are going to Wembley.”