League Two 23-24 line-up confirmed as Carlisle United win play-offs

The Cumbrians claimed a dramatic 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory against Stockport County in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The two sides ended 120 minutes locked at 1-1 at a sun-drenched Wembley, before Paul Simpson’s men prevailed thanks to perfect spot-kicks from Kristian Dennis, Jon Mellish, Ryan Edmondson, Owen Moxon, and Taylor Charters.

Ryan Rydel’s sole missed attempt for Stockport prevented the Hatters from sealing back-to-back promotions, while Carlisle lapped up their triumph in what was their first-ever play-off final.

The sweltering conditions proved energy-sapping, even early on, but it was Stockport who made the breakthrough – courtesy of a large slice of fortune – in the 34th minute.

Striker Isaac Olaofe appeared content to simply swing in a cross from wide out on the right, but the ball clipped heavily off the boot of Mellish before looping over keeper Tomas Holy and finding the far corner.

United Substitute Omari Patrick sent the tie into extra time, drilling into the bottom-left corner six minutes from the end after Joel Senior’s low cross was not dealt with by the Stockport defence.

After Jack Stretton, for Stockport, and Carlisle’s Dennis had both gone mightily close to settling it in the extra period, it was left to Simpson’s men to seal their promotion thanks to their handful of faultless spot-kicks.

EFL announces key dates ahead of 2023-24 season.

Carlisle followed champions Leyton Orient as well as promoted Stevenage and Northampton Town into League One, while Hartlepool United and Rochdale slipped into the National League.

Joining the 18 sides who retained their fourth-tier status, including Swindon Town, are National League winners, Wrexham and play-off victors, Notts County.

Forest Green Rovers, Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, and Milton Keynes Dons were relegated from the third tier.

Swindon’s 498-mile round trip to Barrow is the furthest single journey that Robins fans will be asked to make next season, while Grimsby Town check in second courtesy of a 450-mile expedition.

Harrogate Town take the bronze medal in terms of furthest journeys as a result of the 430-mile round trip from the County Ground to Wetherby Road.

According to the first published odds from bookmakers, Swindon have the 15th-highest chance of achieving promotion or a top-seven finish while Mike Flynn’s men have the 10th-best chance of winning the league.

Wrexham top the bookies’ list for all three categories, with Stockport, Notts County, Gillingham, and Bradford City completing the top five.

Next season’s League Two fixtures will be announced by the EFL at 9am on Thursday, June 22.