10 Greatest EFL Playoff Final Matches in History

10 Greatest EFL Playoff Final Moments in History

The playoffs are without a doubt one of the most anticipated parts of the football calendar in England. It gives fans an opportunity to possibly witness their team play at the home of English football, Wembley Stadium, and try and achieve promotion.

For the neutral its always entertaining with drama on the pitch and the best part of being a neutral at this time of year is that there is no chance of heartbreak at the end of it as for the three teams that do not achieve victory.

This week marks the conclusion of the semi final stage across the Championship, League One, and League Two with the finals set to take place on the weekend of the 23rd May.

Over the years, the playoffs have brought some huge moments for fans to enjoy and we are going to have a look at some of the greatest moments in their history.

10 Greatest EFL Playoff Final Moments in History

10. Southend vs Wycombe (2015)

This is certainly not something that Wycombe Wanderers fans will want to relive. Wycombe only missed out on automatic promotion by one point and were just seconds away from achieving playoff victory, before Joe Piggot netted to take it to penalties. The Chairboys’ heartbreak didn't stop there as they ended up losing 7-6 on penalties and Southend were promoted to League One.

9. Huddersfield vs Sheffield United (2012)

Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies certainly took the headlines following his heroic performance in this League One playoff final. The 22-year-old was a late call up due to an injury to first choice keeper and he went on to steal the show. After keeping a clean sheet in the 120 minutes, Smithies saved two penalties in the shootout before netting the winning spot kick himself and sending the terriers fans into mayhem.

Goalkeeper Alex Smithies was @HTAFC's hero in the 2012 @SkyBetLeagueOne Play-Off Final.

22 penalties later... promotion secured! #EFL | #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/rCZN86pMpb

— EFL (@EFL) May 4, 2020

8. Blackpool vs Cardiff City (2010)

This was an end to end occasion with Blackpool coming from behind twice to equalise, before going on to take the lead in the final minutes of the first half. Despite the Welsh side throwing everything at them in the second half, the Tangerines held on to claim a place in the Premier League against the odds.

7. Sunderland vs Sheffield United (2025)

Tommy Watson was certainly an unlikely hero at Wembley last season, scoring the winner in dramatic fashion to see Sunderland reach the promised land once again. Although Watson had already agreed to join Brighton in the summer, it didn’t stop him from latching onto an error from Kieffer Moore and netting the winner in the dying embers.

Shoutout to the individual at Sunderland that headed the ‘Til The End campaign… 🐈‍⬛

122nd-minute goal from Daniel Ballard in the Championship playoff semi-final against Coventry City to send the Black Cats through.

95th-minute winner from Tommy Watson in the playoff final as… pic.twitter.com/FwARztvdnU

— The92Bible (@The92Bible) May 24, 2025

6. Crystal Palace vs Blackburn Rovers (1989)

The playoff final used to be settled in a two legged affair and on this occasion it set up one of the greatest comebacks in playoff history. Blackburn won the first leg 3-1 at Ewood Park, before Ian Wright and David Madden inspired Crystal Palace to turn the tie around and reach the top flight for the first time since 1981.

5. Bolton vs Reading (1995)

This was a game of highs and lows for both sets of fans. Reading took an early two goal lead that they held on to until 15 minutes from time when Bolton managed to take the game to extra time. In extra time Paatelainen and De Freitas helped Bolton to gain a two goal cushion before Reading pulled one back and set up an early last few minutes.

4. Leicester vs Swindon (1993)

Glen Hoddle helped Swindon to achieve promotion to the top flight, but it was a nervy encounter at times. Swindon stormed into a 3-0 lead early in the second half and the game looked over. However, three quick goals from Leicester saw the game all square, before a late penalty saw Swindon see off the Foxes and reach the top division for the first time in their history.

3. Leicester vs Crystal Palace (1996)

This was one of four playoff finals that the Foxes featured in during a seven year period and they were hoping to return to the Premier League in their first attempt in this instance. However, this is more for the specific moment than the whole game. With seconds remaining and the tie level, Steve Claridge scored with his shin from outside of the box to send Leicester into ruptures and on their way back to the Premier League.

2. Queens Park Rangers vs Derby County (2014)

It was a season with many injuries for Bobby Zamora, however that didn’t stop him from becoming the hero when it mattered most. After coming on as a substitute in the playoff final, his side quickly were down to ten men following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil. Although that didn’t impact Zamora as in the final minute, Zamora pounced on an error from Derby captain Richard Keogh and certainly scored the most important goal of Queens Park Rangers’ season.

“Vikkstar” saying if a streamer scores a goal in the Sidemen charity match it’ll be the loudest that Wembley stadium has ever been…

I’m sorry, is Bobby Zamora a joke to you?
pic.twitter.com/cLaaskl53E https://t.co/oRvbf7Ktui

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) February 25, 2025

1. Charlton vs Sunderland (1998)

This game is widely considered the greatest playoff final ever. The game was an entertaining watch to say the least with it going to extra time at three goals a piece. Sunderland took the lead in extra time before lifelong Sunderland fan, Clive Mendonca completed his hat trick for Charlton to send the game to penalties. After twelve penalties no one had missed and Charlton made it seven from seven. This put a lot of pressure on Michael Gray who saw his penalty saved and Charlton was victorious!