AFC Wimbledon, the fan-owned club that rose from the ashes of the original Wimbledon FC, were promoted to the Football League on Saturday after a penalty shootout playoff win over Luton Town.
Goalkeeper Seb Brown was Wimbledon's hero, saving penalties from Alex Lawless and Jason Walker in the shootout, leaving captain Danny Kedwell to fire home the penalty that clinched the win. Wimbledon won the shootout 4-3 after a 0-0 draw after extra time.
AFC Wimbledon were formed after Wimbledon FC, who defied the odds more than 30 years ago by rising from minor league football to the top tier of the English game, were bought and relocated to Milton Keynes.
Wimbledon and their "Crazy Gang" players such as Vinnie Jones, Dennis Wise and John Fashanu famously beat Liverpool to win the FA Cup in 1988, 14 years before the club disappeared.
AFC Wimbledon began life in the lower rungs of minor league football but still playing to sizeable crowds at their "home" shared stadium in the neighbouring London borough of Kingston before working their way back up the football pyramid.
In the early days, the club paid its players basic expenses. But after turning pro in 2010 and drawing an average of 3,500 spectators per match, players now make up to 750 pounds ($1,200) per week - still a far cry from the millions given to stars like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and John Terry.
Three more promotions, however, and the club could find itself back at Old Trafford, Anfield and Stamford Bridge playing against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Luton, who were a Championship (second division) club in 2007, will have to wait another season to attempt to regain their league status.
The club suffered successive relegations amid points deductions and financial strife to fall out of the Football League in 2009.