The EFL Play-Off Weekend 2023 was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with intense. cagey matches that kept fans inside Wembley on the edge of their seats. This weekend showcased the good, the bad and the ugly of the EFL. With two games going to penalty shoot-outs and one game delivering a last kick of the game-winner. Let’s dive into the unforgettable moments that made this EFL Play-Off Weekend truly exceptional.
Saturday saw Coventry City face Luton Town in the clash of two Championship underdogs. Jordan Clark scored first for the Hatters midway through the first half, Luton looked in control of the game up until the 66th minute when Gustavo Hamer equalised for the Sky Blues. From that point on the game could have gone either way with both teams having opportunities to win the game in 90 minutes as well as extra time. As the teams couldn’t be separated to penalties it went. After 11 perfect penalties, Fantaky Dabo rocketed his penalty over the cross bar to send Luton Town to the Premier League!
Less than 24 hours later Wembley played host to the League Two Play-Off Final. Carlisle took on Stockport County, and just like the championship game it ended 1-1 after extra time. Stockport took the lead and looked as if they were on the way to promotion, only to be pegged back with less than 10 minutes to go! So, the second game of the weekend headed to penalties, it was the one miss by Stockport’s Ryan Rydel that made the difference. Meaning Stockport would be spending another season in League 2 and Carlisle promoted to League 1 for the first time in 9 years!
Throughout this weekend of football, we had clients at all the three games. From Luton Fans enjoying sealing their promotion to the top flight in Club Wembley’s fantastic restaurant the Arc, soaking in all the atmosphere and enjoying the great food and all-inclusive drinks! To Sheffield Wednesday fans enjoying the hospitality in 120 Club as part of the Platinum Package, not only did they have incredible hospitality option they also got enjoy some of the best seats in the house. Here at ATM Hospitality, we are official hospitality partner with Wembley Stadium. So, if you would like to join us and experience the Wembley hospitality yourself for any future events at Wembley you are in great hands! Enquire at enquiries@atmevents.co.uk for all Wembley events!
In the final highly anticipated match, Sheffield Wednesday took on Barnsley, both teams left everything on the field. The game was tightly contested, with neither side willing to concede defeat. Even with 10 men, Barnsley fought hard to hold Wednesday back. As the clock ticked down, it seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out. However, in a major twist, with just seconds remaining in extra time, Josh Windass came up with a moment of magic. A perfectly timed run, a precision pass, and a Robin Van Persie esque header found the back of the net with 5 seconds of the game left!
After a fantastic weekend of football at Wembley it leaves us with one game of English football left for this season! The FA Cup Final, this weekend Manchester takes over the capital! The first ever Manchester derby in a FA Cup Final. We have limited packages* left for this showcase so be quick and enquire now at enquiries@atmevents.co.uk to grab yourself a last-minute package!
*Bookings to be made by guests overseas
