Wembley woe for former Valiant Pilkington
Former Vale captain George Pilkington skippered Luton Town at Wembley but the Hatters were unable to make it a day of celebration as they missed out on the chance to return to the Football League.
Pilkington, who has made 37 appearances this season, was at Wembley for the Blue Square Premier play-off final. He introduced guest of honour Sir Trevor Brooking to his team-mates and watched in disbelief as Luton took the lead after just eighty seconds.
Did you know? Defender Pilkington was signed after Vale loanee Peter Clarke, his teammate at Everton, recommended him to the club.
But opponents York City equalised on 26 minutes and in an near carbon copy of Luton’s start, York then took the lead just seconds into the second-half.
That second goal, which was actually offside, proved decisive as Luton’s season ended in bitter disappointment with a 2-1 play-off final defeat.
It means Pilkington, who was player of the year at Vale Park (2006) and at Luton (2009) will not face his former club Port Vale in League Two next season.
Our condolences to George and better luck next year!