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Page last updated at 12:10 GMT, Tuesday, 18 May 2010 13:10 UK

Swindon Town earned final spot - boss Danny Wilson

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Wilson hails Swindon's penalty takers

Swindon Town manager Danny Wilson says his side fully deserve to be in the League One play-off final after beating Charlton on penalties.

"We're where we are on merit and no-one can take it away from us we're not lucky," Wilson told BBC Points West.

"It's been a great effort - if you look after the first game of the season (a 5-0 defeat by Gillingham) no-one gave us a cat in hell's chance.

"We've proved that we're a very resilient side."

Swindon were 2-0 down at the break and were reduced to 10 men when centre-back Gordon Greer was sent off just after the hour mark.

But winger and man-of-the match Danny Ward grabbed a goal back for Danny Wilson's side to take the game into extra-time.

McGovern reveals secret of penalty success

"At half-time I think we were in a position where no-one expected us to ever go through so the players have to take a big bow," he said.

"To score when down to 10 men and then to stick in there for long periods was a credit to them."

After stalemate in extra time on-loan Liverpool defender Stephen Darby coolly slotted home the winning penalty.

Midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern took the first penalty and was watching on nervously from the centre circle as Darby clinched victory.

"Some of us had cramp and the others couldn't be bothered running so we were trying to make a pact on who was going to do what," he said.

"The boys love the banter at the club and if they'd missed a penalty they'd have missed out on the banter for a while.

"So I think that's what drives the boys on rather than scoring the penalty itself."

Swindon deserve Wembley place - Ward

The game ends Charlton's hopes of bouncing back to the Championship at the first attempt and Wilson added: "I certainly feel for Charlton and especially Nick Bailey - who is by far one of the best players in the division."

"It's what's in the stars and thankfully we were in the stars today.

"What pleased me more than anything was the young lads to step up and show the bravery deserves great credit.

"It's never easy but they showed great maturity."

Swindon will face either Millwall or Huddersfield in the final at Wembley on 29 May.



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see also
Charlton 2-1 Swindon (pens 4-5)
17 May 10 |  League One
Swindon 2-1 Charlton
15 May 10 |  League One


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