Akinfenwa: AFC Wimbledon “dreaming” of sixth promotion in 14 years ahead of League Two play-off final

Adebayo Akinfenwa says AFC Wimbledon are “daring to dream” ahead of Bank Holiday Monday’s League Two play-off final against Plymouth Argyle, as the club continue their meteoric ascent in English football.

The 34-year-old; who joined the Dons back in June 2014, is cherishing his side’s bid for promotion to League One this term, with victory against the Pilgrims inside Wembley Stadium set to seal an astonishing sixth promotion in just 14 seasons for the Kingsmeadow outfit.

Striker Akinfenwa is determined to fire AFC Wimbledon to victory on Monday afternoon.

“That is Beast Mode right there,” said Akinfenwa.

“It is a fairytale. I have been a footballer for a long time, but this is just surreal.

“We are all daring to dream and keeping the faith.”

The striker; who has scored seven goals in all competitions for Neal Ardley’s men so far this campaign, added, “In house, we are confident.

“We are not there just to make up the numbers. We are not there just to enjoy playing at Wembley. We are there to do a job!

“We are taking it seriously, I am telling you that now. We are looking forward to it, and by the grace of God, we can win this.”

After thrillingly edging past Accrington Stanley in the play-off semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate; Wimbledon have the chance to play in their third-tier of English football for the first time in the club’s near 14-year history, in doing so, securing at least two mouthwatering dates against arch-rivals Milton Keynes Dons in League One next term.

Back in May 2002; AFC Wimbledon was originally formed by Wimbledon FC supporters after the club relocated 56 miles to the north in Milton Keynes, with fans angered that the move tarnished their legacy and traditions.

But after starting in the ninth-tier of English football, the Combined Counties League Premier Division back in 2002, a remarkable run of success and subsequent promotions has left the Wombles on the verge of drawing a level playing field with rivals MK Dons.

Tom Beere (Left) celebrates his injury-time first-leg winner against Accrington in the League Two play-off semi-finals – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

“I never had no hatrid for MK Dons before I got here, but I kind of dislike them now,” joked Akinfenwa.

“You feel it when the fans talk about it and you can feel how much in their soul it has hurt them.

“We look at MK Dons as the enemy, so getting them in the same league, again you cannot write that.

“When they broke away and AFC Wimbledon had to start from the bottom, the opportunity of being in the same league and on a level playing field is amazing. Though the fans don’t even think they should be there period.

“There is so much riding on this game.”