On-loan Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood will not be appearing at Wembley this season in the Papa John's Trophy following penalty shoot-out heartache for Cheltenham Town.
League One promotion-chasing Plymouth Argyle progressed past the Robins 3-2 in spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Gutted! Penalties away from a final at Wembley 😤 Incredible away support last night that got us this far👏🏼 We go again in the league Saturday @CTFCofficial 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/eGSKyUcZB3
— Luke Southwood (@lukesouthwood1) February 22, 2023
The Home Park faithful will make their first trip to the national stadium since 2016, coming up against either Bolton Wanderers or Accrington Stanley.
Southwood has 35 appearances to his name this campaign, keeping 11 clean sheets for Wade Elliott's team.
"I'm immensley proud. I couldn't be more proud of them," said Elliott.
"They've given a good representation of what we are. Hard-working, honest, committed, with a sprinkling of quality as well."
Plymouth Argyle are heading to Wembley! A spot sealed in the Papa Johns Trophy final following a penalty shoot-out win against Cheltenham 🏟️✅ pic.twitter.com/TKH0SI7FR9
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 21, 2023
Steven Schumacher will become just the third manager to lead the Pilgrim's out at Wembley, and he could not be prouder.
“They're the best fans in the country, in my opinion, for how far we've got to travel. We sell out every away game.
“This day at Wembley is for them.
“It feels incredible. There were stages there tonight where I thought this isn't going to be our night.
“For us to get there for only the third time in the club's history; it's amazing to be only the third manager to lead this team out there at Wembley Stadium.
“It's something I'm just so incredibly proud of.”
The match is scheduled for Sunday, April 2, 2023.
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