Defensive Dons promoted after crucial Hippolyte strike

This was another triumphant day for south London at Wembley.

- Taha Hashim

This was another triumphant day for south London at Wembley. Sunday brought Charlton promotion to the Championship and yesterday AFC Wimbledon headed back to League One after three years away, a thump from Myles Hippolyte in first-half stoppage time enough to deny Walsall.

The contest was low on thrills but style is not what makes this occasion grand. Until Hippolyte found the bottom right corner, it had looked a match heading for extra time or penalties, likely to be decided by either Tommy Simkin or Owen Goodman, two impressive young goalkeepers. And while Walsall were shaken into action in the second half, Wimbledon's solidity shone through with an impenetrable defence. They celebrated victory and a clean sheet, just like they had done at this venue nine years ago against Plymouth, just like the Crazy Gang in 1988.

"I did feel that we deserved it," said Johnnie Jackson, the Wimbledon manager. "We had the better moments and the goal is the defining moment. We've had to be defensively at our best for the last four games. You don't want it to be 1-0, you want it to be more comfy than that. But sometimes one's enough if you can defend the way we can."