Swindon won 1-0, with an Alan McLoughlin goal taking a terrible deflection off Gary Bennett. However, the winners were later demoted after being found guilty of financial irregularities which resulted in Sunderland gaining an unlikely promotion.
But whatever happened to Denis Smith’s Sunderland squad from that day? We take a look. Simply scroll down and click through the pages.
13. SUB 2 - THOMAS HAUSER
Thomas Hauser remains a cult hero amongst the Sunderland fans who saw him battling with opposition defences at Roker Park, and is known as "The German Sub" after coming from the bench for 39 of his 65 appearances. Retired from football in 1993. Photo: Mark Thompson
14. MANAGER - DENIS SMITH
After leaving Sunderland in 1991, Denis Smith went on to enjoy managerial stints at Bristol City, Oxford United, West Brom and Wrexham. Photo: Sunderland Echo
15. And the Echo has unearthed some brilliant pictures from that day in 1990...
Were you amongst the crowd at Wembley for the play-off final? Photo: Sunderland Echo
16. Proud at Wembley!
Recognise any of these Sunderland fans? Photo: Sunderland Echo