Following a season of consolidation, 88/89 saw the Town back in play-off action. The format now only featured the sides that were vying for promotion, and this time a 6th place finish kept promotion hopes alive. “Bogey team” Crystal Palace were to be the semi-final opponents, with the 1st leg at the County Ground.

This first leg saw Swindon put in a very strong display , in front of a sell-out crowd. Chances were being created, with Duncan Shearer in particular, going close. The break-through finally came, with Hopkins turning Hockaday’s cross into his owngoal. Steve White was mighty close to adding a 2nd when his shot crashed against the underside of the cross bar and bounced down on the line. He also had the ball in the net, only for a dubious off-side decision to cut short his celebrations. Advantage Swindon going into the 2nd leg.

After the joy of Selhurst Park 2 years ago, this visit would see the Town experience the sheer misery of play-off defeat for the 1st time. There were Swindon chances on the night, however a strong Palace performance was rewarded, with their prolific strike force of Bright and Wright ensuring that they would progress to the final at the Town’s expense. The dream of top-flight football was on hold for now.