EFL: The Saints march on

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Southampton 3 - 1 West Brom

Southampton are set to face Leeds United in the Championship play-off final, following a dazzling second-half display that secured their victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Southampton 3 - 1 West Brom

After a goalless first leg, Saints midfielder Will Smallbone broke the deadlock in the second leg, curling a shot from an angle into the top right corner of Baggies keeper Alex Palmer's net from just inside the box.

Adam Armstrong doubled Southampton's lead, igniting a celebratory atmosphere in the stadium with just over ten minutes left on the clock.

The hosts' spot at Wembley was sealed when Armstrong scored his second goal from the penalty spot after Ryan Manning was fouled, rendering Cedric Kipre's injury-time header for the visitors merely a consolation.

Southampton supporters turned out in their thousands, gathering outside the stadium with red and white flares, lining the streets more than two hours before kick-off.

Pyrotechnics and flamethrowers added to the electrifying pre-match atmosphere, but it wasn't until Smallbone's goal that the game truly came alive.

Saints nearly took the lead in the first half when Armstrong got behind the West Brom defence and cut the ball back to David Brooks, who missed from close range.

Russell Martin’s side started the second half with impressive vigour, and the stadium erupted when Smallbone netted his seventh goal of the season.

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EFL: Leeds United reach Championship Play-Off final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Southampton fans felt they were denied a penalty when Brooks was brought down by Kipre in the box, but their appeals were dismissed.

Armstrong calmed any lingering nerves later on, drilling a low shot into the net before celebrating in the far corner of the Northam Stand.

The hosts were eventually awarded a penalty in the closing stages when Manning charged into the West Brom box and was fouled. Armstrong confidently converted the spot-kick.

Kipre's header past Alex McCarthy came too late to alter the outcome for West Brom.

More of the best reaction

Jamie, a Southampton fan, said: "All of the fans are so pleased for the manager and the players. They really deserved the win and an opportunity to reach Wembley. It was such a great performance."

Paul, another fan, added: "I am thrilled for the manager and the players. They truly earned this victory and the chance to play at Wembley. It was an outstanding performance."

Frances Bentley, a West Brom fan, added: "Shame we were so defence minded, almost like we were hoping to win on penalties from the start. That being said, I still think it has been a good season. There is a lot of positivity going forward I think."

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