Got a TV Licence?

You need one to watch live TV on any channel or device, and BBC programmes on iPlayer. It’s the law.

Find out more
I don’t have a TV Licence.

Live Reporting

Phil Cartwright

All times stated are UK

Get involved

  1. Preston promoted

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford

    The play-off hoodoo is finally over - after nine failed campaigns, Jermaine Beckford's hat-trick and another goal from Paul Huntington sealed a comfortable 4-0 win for Preston over Swindon at Wembley and secured promotion to the Championship.

    There's bound to be a lot of soul-searching in Swindon over the next few days, reflecting on a bad day at the office in their biggest match of the campaign.

    Click here to read Nathan Middleton's match report from Wembley, and we'll be back tomorrow at 13:00 BST for the Championship play-off final between Middlesbrough and Norwich City.

    Thanks for your company.

  2. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    So, success for Preston, who can look forward to trips to places like Hull, QPR, Derby, Blackburn and Nottingham Forest in the Championship next season.

    No pressure on the three teams going up from League One, but last year's promoted trio all stayed up. Brentford reached the second-tier play-offs, while Wolves amassed 78 points and only missed out on a top-six spot on goal difference.

  3. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston captain Tom Clarke tells Sky Sports: "It's what dreams are made of. We couldn't have asked for a better start to the game.

    "For a couple of days after the Colchester game, we were disappointed, but we couldn't dwell on it. We showed great character to get past Chesterfield. We go into every game believing in ourselves, and we've come to Wembley and been promoted."

  4. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Wade Barrett tweet

    WWE wrestler Wade Barrett and celebrity Preston fan has already tweeted his delight at promotion and Championship football for the first time since 2011.

  5. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston defender Paul Huntington, scorer of North End's second goal, tells Sky Sports: "It means everything. We had to do it the hard way. I can't speak highly enough of the staff and the players. We've broken that hoodoo now and I'm so proud of everyone. What a feeling.

    "I was delighted to score. You saw that by my celebration - I ran about 100 yards."

    Paul Huntington
  6. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    More from Preston manager Simon Grayson: "Full credit to the players, they carried out everything we asked of them. When we lost at Colchester (on the final day of the season) a lot of people were writing us off. We showed fantastic character, desire and quality as well.

    "I'd like to have been on a beach by now, but we've said this is one of the best ways to get promoted. Swindon have been fantastic all season, but fortunately it was our day today."

  7. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston lift the play-off final trophy. Joyous scenes at Wembley, for the team in white at least.

  8. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Simon Grayson

    Preston manager Simon Grayson tells Sky Sports: "Jermaine knows how we work and I know how he works. He's a goalscorer who's enjoying his football, and when someone's doing that, you can get the best out of them. At the moment, he's producing the goods for us."

  9. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford

    More from hat-trick hero Jermaine Beckford, who almost retired because of illness earlier this season: "I take every day as it comes. Fortunately for me, it was our day and I'm very happy."

    On his relationship with manager Simon Grayson: "He makes me a happy person. I owe him a lot. We have a fantastic relationship."

  10. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston striker Jermaine Beckford tells Sky Sports: "We knew it would be a difficult game and it shows the character and the application we've got within the team and the staff. We did a fantastic job of exploiting the spaces."

  11. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "'North End Soul - Keep the Faith' reads the T-shirt of one fan. 'We're going up' says the flags the players are waving about on the pitch. It's easy for them, their celebrating.

    "Numerous Swindon players shake hands with their Preston counterparts and thank their fans for their support. The Robins have a young side who had lost this final before it even got started." 

  12. Post update

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford

    The play-off hoodoo is over for Preston North End. Nine failures, now one success for the Lilywhites.

    Jermaine Beckford's hat-trick seals a 4-0 win over Swindon in the League One play-off final at Wembley. They will play in the second tier next season.

    Reaction on the way...

  13. BreakingFULL-TIME

    FT: Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston promoted

    PRESTON NORTH END WIN THE LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF FINAL AND ARE PROMOTED TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

  14. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Three minutes of added time to play at Wembley. Preston can't wait to get the party started, their fans in fine voice, their top scorer and boyhood North End fan Joe Garner punching the air already.

  15. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "Promotions are really hard to achieve and for Simon Grayson to be on the verge of a fourth one is excellent. He knows how to get results, he's set up the gameplan today and the players have played excellently."

  16. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    A few Swindon fans heading for the Wembley exits now. It's been a tough day for them and their team.

  17. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "The Preston team are heading back north after the match. One can only imagine that there will be a substantial celebration tonight.

    "Nine previous play-off campaigns, nine previous failures might have left a veil of pessimism over the city when they failed to defeat Colchester on the last day of the regular season, but nobody in white is worrying about that right now."

  18. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Sam Johnstone makes another smart save to keep out Jon Obika's flicked header. It's just not Swindon's day at Wembley. Preston seven minutes away from the Championship.

  19. SUBSTITUTION

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    A final change for Preston, who bring on Scott Laird in place of Daniel Johnson.

  20. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Preston's attack has been deadly today, but their defence hasn't been too shabby either, dealing with all Swindon have had to throw at them.

    Bailey Wright clears inside his own six-yard box, and then goalkeeper Sam Johnstone saves Jordan Turnbull's long-range effort to keep his team's sheet clean.

  21. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "The defenders are the unsung heroes in this Preston team. You can just see in these Preston players they do not want to concede a goal, and that's a great mentality to have."

  22. Join the debate at #bbcfootball

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    sydney: What's worse? Getting beaten like Swindon or Wycombe?

    Text 81111, tweet using #bbcfootball or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  23. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon looking for any sort of consolation now because the game has gone. Louis Thompson weaves his way into the box but he scuffs a shot straight at the goalkeeper.

    Preston go straight up the other end and almost extend their lead. Joe Garner heads a cross back across the face of goal and Kevin Davies can't quite stretch far enough to direct it towards goal.

  24. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Clive Mendonca

    For the record, Jermaine Beckford is only the third player to score a hat-trick in a play-off final at Wembley. Clive Mendonca (Charlton, 1998, pictured) and Scott Sinclair (Swansea, 2011) are the others.

    Kevin Davies almost gets a fifth but he heads a free-kick over the bar.

  25. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford tossed his shirt to about seven kids in the Preston end after being replaced. They're now involved in a free-for-all to see who gets it.

    An adult quickly comes across to restore order.

  26. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    Preston celebrate Jermaine Beckford's goal

    "Beckford has looked the best player on the pitch. When he got the second chance after missing the first one v one, there was no doubt, he was clinical. There will be a lot of competition for his signature in the summer. I think his agent has sent (Preston chairman) Peter Ridsdale a text to start negotiations now."

    Beckford has been released by parent club Bolton.

  27. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Jermaine Beckford cockily winked at the camera as it went along the line during the anthems before kick-off. It wasn't mis-placed. Four attempts on target, three goals and some first class time-wasting/showboating before the striker picked up an injury.

    "His work is done."

  28. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    I was at the England v Montenegro game about five years ago when Kevin Davies made his one and only England appearance. He didn't get anywhere near scoring on that night. A Wembley goal today would put the cherry on a massive promotion-winning cake for Preston.

    On the bench, it's hugs all round for Jermaine Beckford.

  29. SUBSTITUTIONS

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    A last throw of the dice for Swindon, who are throwing on top goalscorer Andy Williams from the bench. He's going to have to make a massive impact. Harry Toffolo is off.

    Preston's hat-trick hero Jermaine Beckford is down on the deck with an injury - he's on his way off too, to be replaced by the evergreen Kevin Davies.

  30. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    A save for the cameras from Preston goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who flies high to his left to keep out Jon Obika's header.

  31. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Handball appeals against Preston's Calum Woods are waved away. Woods was chasing back to prevent Nathan Byrne making further ground inside the box. Looked accidental to me.

  32. Join the debate at #bbcfootball

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Terence O'Keeffe: And that unfortunately is that for Swindon. Another season in League One

    Thoughts on this one, then? Preston look out of sight and Championship-bound. And how do Swindon recover from this?

    Text 81111, use #bbcfootball on Twitter or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  33. SUBSTITUTION

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon make a change - Louis Thompson has been brought on for Ben Gladwin. A farewell appearance for Thompson, who is joining Norwich in the summer.

    Preston captain Tom Clarke almost adds a fifth for North End, but he heads a corner straight at Wes Foderingham.

  34. Post update

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Moments before the fourth goal went in I was going to say that in some respects it felt a little flat.

    "There was no edge or tension or anxiety about the place. Just a clock ticking down the minutes and a result that seemed cast in stone.

    "Now it is just pure party time for the fans in white, who have quite rightly started to surmise that they are going up."  

  35. GOAL

    Preston North End 4-0 Swindon Town (Jermaine Beckford hat-trick)

    Beckford's hat-trick

    Years and years of play-off hurt are coming to an end for Preston. Yaser Kasim is robbed of the ball in midfield and Jermaine Beckford is put through on goal. The striker makes no mistake this time - he has a Wembley hat-trick, thanks to a neat left-footed finish from 10 yards.

  36. YELLOW CARD

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon midfielder Yaser Kasim is the first man into referee Andy Madley's notebook after a tangle with Preston's top scorer Joe Garner, and he's not happy about it.

    That's Kasim's 13th yellow card this season.

  37. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Beckford and Grayson

    BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown: "Preston only ever won one game at Wembley, way back in 1938 when they won the FA Cup 1-0 against Huddersfield with a penalty in the last minute of injury time."

    Live commentary continues on BBC Radio 5 live - click on the audio icon to listen online on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

  38. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford is played through and almost completes a hat-trick, but Swindon goalkeeper Wes Foderingham makes an outstanding save low down to his left. Defender Bailey Wright heads the resulting corner wide.

  39. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    It's worth remembering that Swindon were once 3-0 up in a play-off final, against Leicester in 1993. On that occasion, the Foxes pulled it back to 3-3 before Paul Bodin's penalty won it for Swindon.

    So the comeback can happen, but an early goal is absolutely critical for the Robins. They won't get it straight away though, as Yaser Kasim's free-kick from deep sails out for a goal kick.

  40. KICK-OFF

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Preston start the second half.

  41. Post update

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Well, what have Swindon Town got left? Either Preston's play-off hoodoo will come to an end at the 10th time of asking, or we're about to witness one of the greatest comebacks in Wembley history.

    The second half is on the way shortly.

  42. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Jermaine Beckford and Paul Gallagher are both out of contract with their parent clubs this summer. On the evidence of their performances this afternoon, PNE will want to keep the star loanees at the club next season. That would probably depend on them closing out this match."

  43. Still to come...

    Championship: Middlesbrough v Norwich City (Mon)

    Adam Clayton and Lee Tomlin

    Middlesbrough face Norwich City in the Championship play-off final on Monday and, for the winner, there's Premier League football and an estimated £120m windfall on offer.

    Norwich beat local rivals Ipswich in their semi-final, while Boro easily got past the Championship's surprise package, Brentford.

    Will Boro be celebrating a return to the Premier League after a six-year absence? Kick-off is at 15:00 BST - BBC Radio 5 live will have commentary from Wembley, and we'll also be providing a live text commentary on the BBC Sport website, starting at 13:00 BST.

  44. Post update

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Here are the half-time stats from Wembley. Swindon have had 64% possession, and the same number of attempts on goal, but Preston's clinical finishing has been the difference.

    Preston v Swindon stats
  45. Post update

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Mark Cooper

    You have to feel for a youthful Swindon Town side, who were 2-0 down on the big occasion before they got going.

    Although comfortable in possession, they have failed to test goalkeeper Sam Johnstone enough. Michael Smith's headed chance at 2-0 down could be a costly one, and they've also lost their captain, Nathan Thompson, to injury.

    How do you raise your team at 3-0 down halfway through a play-off final? Over to you, Swindon boss Mark Cooper.

  46. Hoodoo over?

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Jermaine Beckford

    If you'd asked Preston fans to imagine the perfect start to today's League One play-off final, they'd have said: "We'll be 2-0 up after 13 minutes." And they got their wish.

    Jermaine Beckford continued his hot streak in front of goal to put North End ahead and defender Paul Huntington doubled the lead shortly afterwards. Beckford's curled second just before half-time has almost put this game to bed.

    Even with their wretched play-off record, not even Preston could throw this away, could they?

  47. Post update

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "A couple of years ago at Bradford we were three up against Northampton (in the League Two play-off final) and I reminded my players we needed to be professional as an early goal can change things. But the way this game is going Preston are in control."

  48. HALF-TIME

    HT: Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Preston see out four minutes of added time and take a 3-0 lead into the interval. Game over already?

  49. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Goal-kick, flick-on, one touch, another touch to turn the ball inside, a left-foot strike to curl the ball into the corner and off into the arms of Simon Grayson, the man Beckford loves to play for.

    "You can almost feel the release of emotions from a PNE support that has known nothing but play-off misery. They believe. But do Swindon still believe they can pull off a miracle?"

    Jermaine Beckford celebrates scoring
  50. Post update

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "That's the difference of quality in strikers. One chance should go in for Swindon, and then at the other end Beckford makes a goal for himself. Joe Garner and Beckford are probably the best front two in the division."

    Beckford and Garner now have 44 goals between them for Preston this season.

  51. GOAL

    Preston North End 3-0 Swindon Town (Jermaine Beckford)

    Jermaine Beckford scores his second

    Michael Smith's miss pivotal? You bet.

    Jermaine Beckford picks up the ball 25 yards out, turns inside Jordan Turnbull and curls past Wes Foderingham from the edge of the box.

    A second of the game for Preston striker Beckford, whose contribution in recent weeks has been critical for North End's promotion hopes. They're almost home and hosed.

  52. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Big, big miss for Swindon. Nathan Byrne works wonders down the right touchline and puts in a teasing cross across the face of goal.

    And Smith must score...

    But Michael Smith heads wide with the goal gaping. Could be pivotal.

  53. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Simon Grayson

    Preston manager Simon Grayson could be about to work the League One promotion oracle again. He's taken the three previous teams he's managed - Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield - out of this division. A fourth promotion is on the cards - his side are two goals up and look dangerous every time they go forward.

  54. SUBSTITUTION

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Paul Gallagher has to go off with that earlier foot injury, but the Preston winger has more than made his mark on this play-off final. He's set up both North End goals.

    On in Gallagher's place is young Irish midfielder Alan Browne.

    That's after Preston captain Tom Clarke gets on the end of a free-kick but the referee blows up for a foul.

  55. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Referee Andy Madley has a quick word with Preston striker Jermaine Beckford, who's involved in a little clash with Swindon defender Jack Stephens. Then North End's Joe Garner and Swindon's Jordan Turnbull get in a little scuffle. All getting a bit heated at Wembley.

  56. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "Swindon are doing better. If you take the first 13 minutes out of it, it's been even stevens. But Preston have punished Swindon for a lacklustre start."

  57. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon full-back Nathan Byrne loves to get forward, as he proved when he netted the semi-final first-leg winner at Sheffield United. He surges forward again down the right touchline but Preston deal with the danger easily.

  58. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Swindon, passing and probing, their fans trying to lift them. Preston, organised and tenacious, with a definite threat in the long, raking out-ball towards Jermaine Beckford. 

    "The game has started to find a shape and pattern after its chaotic, bewildering start."

  59. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon keeping the ball well in Preston territory but they haven't tested Sam Johnstone in the Preston goal yet, and that's something they'll need to rectify over the next hour or so.

  60. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Preston's Calum Woods is a little lucky to escape a yellow card for a meaty challenge from behind on Swindon's Nathan Byrne.

  61. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon Town

    The Robins need to find their scoring boots again if they're going to get back into this play-off final.

    In the meantime, Preston's Paul Gallagher is down receiving treatment on a foot injury.

  62. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon growing into this game a bit more now. Jack Stephens runs a good 30 yards from the back and puts in a shot that deflects over for a corner. Comes to nothing though.

  63. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Some tricky play down the right from Swindon full-back Nathan Byrne but Paul Gallagher is back doing the defending to concede a corner. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone punches the cross away and Preston clear to the safety of the halfway line.

    A big test of this youthful Swindon team, who find themselves 2-0 down after 20 minutes.

  64. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Best moment of the match so far for Swindon. A wonderful cross from the right is whipped in by Australia international midfielder Massimo Luongo but it evades all in red inside the 18-yard area.

  65. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "It is all chants of 'we are going up' now from Preston fans, who are bouncing up and down. If Swindon do not find some way to contain Paul Gallagher down the left then they are probably right. Two crosses, two goals. And yet still Swindon look so tidy in possession....."

  66. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "At the moment Swindon look very vulnerable to Preston's threats, certainly to a ball down the line. Swindon are a very open team, and it's OK being open but when the opposition has two of the best strikers on the pitch, they'll get chances."

  67. Post update

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town

    Mark Cooper

    That's Paul Huntington's ninth goal of the season. Not a bad tally for a defender. If that first goal didn't settle North End down, the second certainly should.

    Swindon look stunned.

  68. GOAL

    Preston North End 2-0 Swindon Town (Paul Huntington)

    Paul Huntington

    Preston in dreamland. Another Paul Gallagher delivery from the left, another finish from close range. Centre-back Paul Huntington is afforded the freedom of Wembley to tap in from six yards for a 2-0 lead.

  69. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Preston quell any threat from Swindon and then go forward again, but a tame shot from Joe Garner is blocked into the arms of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

  70. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Preston selfie

    Another Preston attack down the left, as Paul Gallagher finds some space but his cross into the box is blocked and cleared. Excellent start for North End. Perhaps that play-off duck is about to be broken.

  71. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Strange few minutes inside Wembley. The game had hardly started before it stopped for several minutes after PNE scored and Thompson was unfortunately stretchered off.

    "The Preston fans and players had stopped celebrating and many of the team were gathered around the coaching staff, receiving instructions and having a drink. It was almost as though the first few minutes had been a dream."

  72. Join the debate at #bbcfootball

    Yani Kapitanov: Really feel sad for Thompson, but then again Preston are ahead, which makes me happy.

    Text 81111, tweet using #bbcfootball or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  73. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Nathan Thompson

    That's the second time in two days we've had an early injury in a play-off final. Wycombe's Sam Saunders lasted only six seconds of the League Two final yesterday. Every player's worst nightmare.

  74. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "You can't get off to a much worse start for Swindon, but the only consolation is that Sam Ricketts is coming on, who is cool and calm in these sorts of situations."

  75. SUBSTITUTION

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Nathan Thompson's afternoon is over. The Swindon captain landed awkwardly on his left leg as he tried to prevent Jermaine Beckford scoring the opening goal. He's stretchered off the field and replaced by the experienced Sam Ricketts.

  76. Post update

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town

    Phil Parkinson

    Bradford City manager, BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

    "It's a great start from Preston but you can see their gameplan. They're putting the ball behind Swindon where they can get exposed, and they've exploited it [from the free-kick]."

  77. GOAL

    Preston North End 1-0 Swindon Town (Jermaine Beckford)

    Jermaine Beckford

    Easy as that, Preston lead. And it's that man Jermaine Beckford again. Beckford gets on the end of Paul Gallagher's left-wing cross and sweeps home from close range.

    Nine goals in 11 games for the man on loan from Bolton.

  78. Post update

    Preston North End 0-0 Swindon Town

    An early burst of pace from Jermaine Beckford and the Preston striker is clipped by Swindon skipper Nathan Thompson. Free-kick to North End on the left touchline, and a perfect position for Paul Gallagher to whip one into the box.

  79. KICK-OFF

    Preston North End 0-0 Swindon Town

    Swindon Town get the League One play-off final under way.

  80. Post update

    Preston North End 0-0 Swindon Town

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Players stood around for what seemed like ages waiting for the match to finally start, while the fans of both sides started to find their voices.

    "The obvious suspicion is that plenty of fans have been warming up very nicely indeed thank you throughout the afternoon. Seats not being fully utilised, shall we say."

  81. Post update

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Both sides are in their traditional colours at Wembley - Preston in white, Swindon in red.

    Are we ready to go?

  82. Listen live

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    BBC Radio 5 live

    The teams are out at Wembley. Preston and Swindon compete for a place in the Championship.

    Listen to BBC Radio 5 live commentary of the League One play-off final by clicking on the audio icon or the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page.

    BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Wiltshire are also broadcasting live from Wembley, although a rights issue prevents us from streaming their respective commentaries on the BBC Sport website.

    The Radio Lancashire team were happy chaps down at pitch level a little earlier...

    BBC Radio Lancashire sports team
  83. The manager's view

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Mark Cooper

    Swindon manager Mark Cooper told BBC Points West: "The one thing I do hope is the players do themselves justice.

    "I hope they really go and show the millions of people that are watching what they're all about - and that's that they're a fantastic football team.

    "If they do that, and perform as I know they can, they have a chance of doing well."

    Watch an extended interview with Mark Cooper by clicking on the Highlights tab.

  84. Join the debate at #bbcfootball

    Preston fans

    Sam Whalley: #pnefc fans looking brilliant.

    You can "Tweet from your seat" using #bbcfootball on Twitter, much like Sam has done from the Preston end of Wembley.

  85. The manager's view

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Simon Grayson

    Preston manager Simon Grayson told BBC North West Tonight: "It's a fantastic opportunity to go to Wembley and it's a day out for the supporters, but it only becomes fantastic if you win there.

    "You've got to enjoy it, embrace it and make sure you have no regrets when you finish on that final whistle.

    "I think we play contrasting styles but equally as effective. It's got the ingredients to be a fantastic game, like a cup tie."

    Watch an extended interview with Simon Grayson by clicking on the Highlights tab.

  86. Southend's shootout joy

    League Two: Southend beat Wycombe on penalties

    Dan Bentley

    Southend United were the play-off weekend's first victors yesterday, beating Wycombe Wanderers in a dramatic League Two final at Wembley.

    After a forgettable and goalless first 90 minutes, Wycombe looked almost certain to be promoted when Joe Jacobson's free-kick crept in with some help from unfortunate goalkeeper Dan Bentley.

    But substitute Joe Pigott equalised for the Shrimpers deep in extra time to force a shootout, where Bentley became the hero, saving efforts from Matt Bloomfield and Sam Wood to secure a spot in next season's third tier for Phil Brown's side.

    Read Phil Shepka's report from Wembley here.

  87. Join the debate at #bbcfootball

    Preston's woeful play-off record is well-known, so we're asking you about football hoodoos.

    Is there a ground you've never seen your club win at, despite countless visits? Or a team you never seem to beat?

    Text 81111, tweet using #bbcfootball or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  88. Post update

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Walking under the bridge by Wembley Park Station one is hit with chants of 'who are ya?' piped, confusingly, through subtle speakers.

    "No doubt about the identity of the fans inside Wembley, with the ground divided into red and white. Everyone I've spoken to seems fairly confident - and most people seem to expect an exciting and open game.

    "What nobody seems to want is a repeat of Saturday's penalty drama."  

  89. The road to Wembley: Swindon Town

    Semi-final: Beat Sheffield United 7-6 on aggregate

    Michael Smith

    Swindon Town threatened a top-two finish until the closing weeks of the season and eventually had to settle for a play-off place.

    Nathan Byrne's stoppage-time winner at Bramall Lane gave the Robins a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg of their semi-final with Sheffield United.

    Swindon manager Mark Cooper described the return leg in Wiltshire as a "freak". A 7-6 aggregate win was secured with a 5-5 draw, the highest-scoring game in play-off history.

  90. The road to Wembley: Preston North End

    Semi-final: Beat Chesterfield 4-0 on aggregate

    Jermaine Beckford

    Preston North End held an automatic promotion spot heading into the final day of the League One season, but a 1-0 loss at Colchester allowed MK Dons to pip them to second place.

    The Lilywhites had only won three of their previous 21 play-off matches but they won both legs of their semi-final against Chesterfield.

    Jermaine Beckford netted Preston's first-leg winner and scored twice in a 3-0 win at Deepdale, his second a shot from the halfway line.

  91. Keep an eye on..

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Wembley: "Preston signed midfielder Daniel Johnson from Aston Villa in January. He has scored eight goals and looks like a bargain at £50,000 - so much so that PNE fans have a song highlighting how little they paid for him.

    "Swindon midfielder Ben Gladwin was playing for Marlow and working as a removal man before the Robins signed him 18 months ago. With eight goals in his last six matches, Gladwin has got Swindon on the move."

  92. BreakingBREAKING NEWS

    Allardyce to leave West Ham

    Sam Allardyce

    Before we get going with the build-up to today's League One play-off final, some big breaking news to bring you from the Premier League.

    West Ham have confirmed manager Sam Allardyce will leave after the club decided not to renew his contract.

    He watched his side lose 2-0 at Newcastle today, a result that condemned Hull City to life in the Championship next season, a place both Preston and Swindon want to be.

    For more on that, go to our Premier League live reaction page.

  93. Line-ups

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Preston North End: Johnstone, Clarke (capt), Wright, Huntington, Woods, Welsh, Kilkenny, Johnson, Gallagher, Beckford, Garner.

    Subs: Stuckmann, Laird, Humphrey, Browne, Reid, Hugill, Davies.

    Swindon Town: Foderingham, Stephens, N. Thompson (capt), Turnbull, Byrne, Kasim, Luongo, Gladwin, Toffolo, Smith, Obika.

    Subs: Belford, Ricketts, Branco, L. Thompson, Rodgers, Williams, Hylton.

    Referee: Andy Madley.

  94. BreakingTeam news

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Wembley

    Preston are unchanged from the team that beat Chesterfield 3-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at Deepdale two weeks ago.

    Swindon make two changes to the side that drew 5-5 with Sheffield United. Jon Obika and Harry Toffolo replace Jermaine Hylton and Sam Ricketts.

  95. Post update

    Preston North End v Swindon Town (17:30 BST)

    Preston dejected

    Much has been made of Preston's abject play-off record before this season's run to Wembley. Nine play-off campaigns for North End, nine failures. Three play-off final appearances for the Lilywhites, three defeats.

    Swindon have won three out of the four play-off finals in which they have featured, although you have to go back to Glenn Hoddle's team of 1993 to find the last in that trio of victories.

  96. Post update

    Southend celebrate

    The Football League play-offs - rarely do they fail to deliver excitement.

    Take yesterday, for example. The League Two final was absolutely awful for 90 minutes, but it provided us with a dramatic 122nd-minute equaliser and a penalty shootout that needed 16 kicks to decide a winner.

    While Southend revel in their promotion to the third tier and Wycombe ponder what might have been, we turn our attentions to the League One final and two clubs with contrasting play-off final fortunes...