Forty years of the EFL play-offs - choose your favourite memories

Breaking news from the world of sport: Forty years of the EFL play-offs - choose your favourite memoriesImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Sunderland won last season's Championship play-off finalByGlenn Speller, Sport England and Alex Hoad, Sport EnglandPublished20 minutes agoAs the English Football League celebrates 40 years of the play-offs, there is a lot to look back on. During that time, 105 different teams have competed and 1,468 goals have been scored before this season's instalment, and there has been plenty of drama along the way. But what are your memories of the end-of-season shootout?

Sport takes a look at 15 moments which have shaped the play-offs, and you can pick your three favourites and join in the conversation in the comments section - including ones that have not made our list. The poll will stay open until 12:00 BST on Monday, 18 May. Homeless Charlton beat Leeds in replayImagine a play-off final settled not over 90 minutes, not even over 180, but instead over 300 minutes.

Match Details

In 1987 Charlton, who were ground-sharing at Crystal Palace at the time, finished fourth-bottom of Division One and faced Leeds, who were fourth in Division Two, with a place in the top flight at stake. A goal from Jim Melrose, who later played for Leeds, gave the Addicks a 1-0 lead after their 'home' leg at Selhurst Park but just two days later (imagine the outcry now) Brendon Ormsby netted the only goal in the second leg at Elland Road. A replay and a neutral venue were needed and, four days later, Birmingham City's St Andrew's hosted the decider.

As you might expect from such closely-matched teams, it finished 0-0. But this time extra time was played. John Sheridan put the Whites ahead in the first period.

However, Peter Shirtliff wrote his name into Athletic folklore with goals after 113 and 117 minutes to keep Charlton in the top flight. Swindon's non-promotion and redemptionImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Alan McLoughlin (left) and Ossie Ardiles' 1990 celebrations were cut shortAs far as play-off teams go, Swindon Town can certainly be among those to claim they live up to the competition's reputation for drama and excitement. A 6-5 penalty shootout semi-final defeat by Port Vale in 2022 and a 5-5 second-leg draw with Sheffield United in 2015 will live long in the memory of Town fans for various reasons.

Reactions and Expectations

But it is two experiences in the 1990s for which they will be remembered by many. Having finished in their highest league position of fourth in the second tier in 1990, Swindon disposed of Blackburn Rovers over a two-legged semi-final to reach the final at Wembley. The club had been under investigation since January 1990 for alleged financial irregularities, although the outcome of the inquiry was not due until after the final.

In the first year of a one-off final being played at the national stadium, Swindon faced Sunderland, who had beaten rivals Newcastle in the semi-finals.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.