The Vanarama Play-Off Final is an annual football match that takes place at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The match is contested by the teams that finish in the highest positions in the National League, the fifth tier of English football, that do not achieve automatic promotion to the EFL League Two.
The National League was formed in 1979 as the Alliance Premier League and was rebranded as the Football Conference in 1986. The playoffs were introduced in the 2002-2003 season, allowing teams that finished outside the automatic promotion spots a chance to earn a spot in the EFL League Two.
The Vanarama Play-Off Final was first played at Wembley Stadium in 2007, after a six-year hiatus following the demolition of the old stadium. The final was previously held at the home stadium of one of the competing teams, but with the opening of the new Wembley Stadium, the final was moved to the iconic venue in London.
The first Vanarama Play-Off Final at Wembley was played between Exeter City and Morecambe. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Morecambe, with goals from Garry Thompson and Michael Twiss securing promotion to the EFL League Two.
Since then, the Vanarama Play-Off Final has become a highly anticipated event in the football calendar, with thousands of fans traveling from all over the country to witness their team's promotion dreams come true. The final has seen some memorable moments, including a last-minute winner from AFC Wimbledon in the 2016 final and a thrilling penalty shootout in the 2019 final, which saw Tranmere Rovers beat Newport County.
The Vanarama Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium is not only important for the teams competing but also for the wider football community. It provides a platform for clubs in the lower tiers to showcase their talent and highlights the importance of grassroots football in England. The final is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and fans alike, and a reminder that anything is possible in the world of football.
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