Young Liam Kelly of Reading broke free from the curse of Wembley by leading Crawley Town to promotion to League One. The 28-year-old was a standout player for the Royals during his nearly 100 appearances. Under Jaap Stam, he scored in the shootout but ultimately lost to Huddersfield Town in the 2017 Championship play-off final. The Republic of Ireland youth star, who will be relegated out of the EFL with Rochdale the following season, has been a bright spot for Crawley this year. He scored in the play-off semifinal victory over MK Dons and was named Man of the Match.
At Wembley, he went one better in the final, helping the Red Devils defeat Crewe Alexandra 2-0 while also scoring a goal. In addition to Stockport County, Wrexham, and Mansfield Town, Scott Lindsay’s team will now play Reading in League One the following season after being promoted from League Two. Crawley and Reading last faced off in the FA Cup ten years ago; they have never played each other in a league match.