Woolford sends Millwall's army home empty-handed

Millwall 2 Scunthorpe 3

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Winger Martyn Woolford capped a superb display with a late winner as Scunthorpe came from behind to disappoint Millwall's 45,000 fans and win the League One play-off final yesterday.

Matt Sparrow put Nigel Adkins' side ahead with an early goal before two goals in three minutes by Millwall's Gary Alexander put his side in pole position for a return to the Championship. But Woolford then created a second for Sparrow after the break before scoring the winner with five minutes left.

Both sides made a lively start at Wembley but it was Scunthorpe who took the lead when Gary Hooper backheeled into Woolford's path and the winger hit a low left-foot shot which goalkeeper David Forde palmed out and Sparrow reacted first to slam into the roof of the net.

Hooper's movement was too good for Millwall in the early stages and he then hit the post from an improbable angle. Kenny Jackett's side were clinging on but Alexander pulled them level with a fabulous goal in the 37th minute. The forward turned and hit a stunning shot on the bounce from 30 yards which sailed over goalkeeper Joe Murphy. The Lions fans erupted and were at it again two minutes later when Alexander thundered a header into the bottom corner.

Given the hot day, matching the scintillating pace of the first-half was a big ask of the players and the first 10 minutes of the second period passed without a sight of goal for either side.

However, Scunthorpe levelled in the 70th minute with another excellent goal. Woolford burst into the area and picked out Sparrow, who sidestepped Forde and clipped a left-foot shot into the roof of the net. The winner came when Woolford rifled a low shot past Forde after Millwall had failed to deal with a long free-kick.

Millwall (4-4-2): Forde; Frampton (Robinson, 90), Whitbread, Dunne, Alexander; Craig, Bolder, Grabban (Hackett, 63), Martin; Abdou (Laird, h-t), Harris. Substitutes not used: Pidgeley (gk), Barron, Laird.

Scunthorpe (4-4-2): Murphy; Byrne, Mirfin, Morris, Crosby; Sparrow, Togwell (Trotter, 55), McCann, Woolford; Hayes, Hooper (Forte, 80). Substitutes not used: Lillis (gk), Wright, Thompson.

Referee: M Oliver (Northumberland)