Despite having a man sent off within the first 48 seconds of the game, Tranmere Rovers have battled their way back into the Football League after a dramatic 2-1 win against Boreham Wood at Wembley in the National League play-off final.
Liam Ridehalgh was the recipient of the red card, after an ill-judged high challenge on Ricky Shakes.
A red card inside a minute at Wembley! 🔴
Liam Ridehalgh is sent off after just 48 seconds and Tranmere are down to 10 men 😳 pic.twitter.com/2hMYbIfxk5
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 12, 2018
However, despite being a man lighter, Rovers took the lead just five minutes later, with Andy Cook nodding in from a James Norwood centre.
In more controversy, a bottle lobbed from the Boreham Wood fans hit a celebrating Josh Ginnelly on the head. Thankfully the player was able to continue after receiving treatment.
Just before the break, Bruno Andrade leveled the scores to set up a tense second period.
Rovers, who had been forced to make all three substitutions in the first-half, continued to battle hard against a Boreham Wood side who failed to make the most of their one-man advantage.
The winning goal would eventually come 10 minutes from the end, with Norwood heading home Connor Jennings’ cross to win the game for Micky Mellon’s side.
The clash would end in a 2-1 win for Tranmere, who return to the Football League for the first time in three years.
As for Boreham Wood, their fine season, which saw them register their best-ever league placing and FA Cup run, ends in disappointment, with the Hertfordshire side set for yet another season of non-league football.