Millwall's Paul Robinson fulfilled a childhood dream when his Wembley matchwinner secured promotion.
Win erases previous play-off heartache for Lions
Millwall captain Paul Robinson said he fulfilled a childhood dream when he scored the winning goal in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
The Lions skipper led his side up the stadium's famous steps and lifted the trophy after his matchwinner against Swindon Town clinched promotion for the South London club into the Championship.
Robinson's moment of glory arrived in the 39th minute when Danny Schofield's corner evaded everyone except the centre-back who turned and lashed the ball in from close range.
"To captain a team, to score the winning goal and to lift up a trophy at Wembley - as a kid kicking around in the back garden that's all I ever dreamed of. It's a special day," said the 28-year-old.
"We've got a squad of heroes, a squad that will go down in history.
"We're the first Millwall team to achieve that (play-off success) and we knew it was possible.
Proud
"I told the lads it was our day and we had to make sure we did whatever it took to win.
"Thankfully it was our day, what a feeling and what a proud man I am."
The win also helped to erase last year's punishing 3-2 play-off final defeat to Scunthorpe United.
And Robinson, who has remained at the club ever since his days as a trainee, nearly went from hero to villain in this year's encounter when Robins striker Charlie Austin latched onto his misplaced header in the 72nd minute but the 20-goal hit-man sent his effort wide.
"Sometimes that's the bit of luck that decides these matches, the bit of luck you need," said the 6ft 1in stalwart.
"It didn't go our way last year but this year it has. We'll take it.
"I think we've earned our promotion over two years of hard work, credit to the lads - they've been excellent and they deserve every minute of it."
