CHARLIE Austin could be locking horns with Cherries next season after suffering Wembley heartache.

Austin’s Swindon Town will play alongside Eddie Howe’s men after losing 1-0 in the League One play-off final against Millwall on Saturday.

Lions skipper Paul Robinson netted the game’s only goal to seal their place in the Championship.

But former Poole Town star Austin had a glorious opportunity to level after the break, only for the much-maligned Wembley pitch to throw up a nasty bobble at the worst possible moment.

As the prolific frontman, whose reputation has risen remarkably since his move up the footballing ladder, broke clear on goal, the ball jumped from the turf just as he prepared to shoot. It led to his effort flying wide and the Robins failed to find an equaliser.

But Swindon boss Danny Wilson was full of praise for the 20-year-old and refused to criticise the ex-Dolphins frontman.

He said: “The game hinged on two moments, a missed header from us at the corner and a bobble for Charlie.

“I’d have put my house on him but what can you do when the ball bobbles up like that? You can’t blame the boy.

“He’s inconsolable, but his goals got us here. We wouldn’t criticise him even if it wasn’t a bobble. Maybe it’s fate, I don’t know.

“It’s absolute devastation in the dressing room but they can be very proud of what they have done this season.”

Poole Town would have received money had Swindon won, having negotiated a promotion clause in the deal that took the 20-year-old to the County Ground.

• Dagenham & Redbridge will join Cherries in League One next season after beating Rotherham 3-2 in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

Jon Nurse’s scrambled goal gave John Still’s men victory, with Paul Benson and Danny Green also on target for the Londoners.

Ryan Taylor scored both Millers goals.