Cambridge United have earned promotion into League Two after beating Gateshead 2-1 in the Conference playoff final at Wembley this afternoon.

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Second-half goals from Liam Hughes and Ryan Donaldson helped United down their North-East counterparts and seal their return to the Football League after a nine-year absence.

Richard Money's side took a big step toward England's fourth tier on 51 minutes as Hughes's powerful header was enough to break the deadlock following an insipid first half.

Cambridge then took a big step toward League Two 20 minutes later through Donaldson, who curled a free kick over the Gateshead wall to double the advantage.

However, just when the champagne was on ice, the Tynesiders ensured that Cambridge were in for a nervy final 10 minutes as Jack Lester headed into an empty net to reduce the arrears.

There was no fewer than seven minutes added on as Liam Hatch and James Curtis both headed agonisingly wide in the final stages, but Money's men held out to book their place in the Football League.