Joy for Jackett at last

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett celebrates after the final whistle
12 April 2012

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was finally able to celebrate play-off success on Saturday as Swindon were left cursing the Wembley pitch.

Skipper Paul Robinson's first-half goal in the League One play-off final fired the Lions back to the Championship after a four-year absence. Millwall, beaten in their previous five play-off campaigns, also needed a helping hand from the much-maligned Wembley turf as a nasty bobble denied Swindon's Charlie Austin the chance to equalise.

"It's nice," Jackett said. "It's the sixth time for Millwall in the play-offs and for me as a manager it's my third time, and it certainly beats losing."

He added: "The club had come a long way last year and it was so disappointing at the end.

"So we built on that anger and I'm pleased to say the players have seen it through."

Robinson's goal came six minutes before half-time, the defender poking home from six yards after Swindon failed to deal with Danny Schofield's corner.

Millwall had the ball in the net earlier in the first half via the head of Swindon defender Kevin Amankwaah, but his blushes were spared by an offside flag.

Swindon's big opportunity to level fell to Austin, the prolific striker plucked from non-league Poole Town back in October.

The 20-year-old was gifted a clear run on goal by Robinson's poor header in the 70th minute but, as he shaped to shoot, the ball bounced up and his shinned effort drifted wide.

"It's maybe the bit of fortune you need," Jackett admitted.

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