Kallum Cesay scored an extra time winner as Salford City beat Grimsby Town 4 3 on aggregate to reach the League Two play off final.
The Ammies will return to Wembley on 25 May for their first appearance there since winning promotion to the Football League in 2019.
Cesay kept his composure deep into extra time at the Peninsula Stadium, slotting low into the bottom corner with three minutes remaining to settle a dramatic semi final in front of a sell out crowd of 4,509.
Salford had arrived at the second leg carrying a 2 1 advantage from Sunday’s first meeting in Grimsby, where they recovered from conceding inside the opening minute.
Karl Robinson’s side started brightly and almost opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Kelly N’Mai picked out Ryan Graydon inside the box, but his effort was saved by Jackson Smith.
The breakthrough came shortly afterwards when Daniel Udoh rifled home from close range after Adebola Oluwo flicked on a Luke Garbutt corner. It was Udoh’s 10th goal of the season for Salford and appeared to put the hosts firmly in control of the tie.
Grimsby responded strongly in the closing stages of normal time. Captain Keiran Green reduced the deficit with a flicked finish from a Reece Staunton corner before providing the assist for substitute Jaze Kabia to level the match on aggregate four minutes later.
Salford struggled to create clear chances before extra time despite late efforts from Luke Garbutt and Kadeem Harris.
The visitors missed a major opportunity to take control in extra time when Justin Amaluzor fired straight at Matthew Young after finding space inside the area.
Grimsby were punished moments later as Cesay capitalised on a loose challenge from Cameron McJannet before calmly finishing beyond Smith to send home supporters into celebration.
Salford defended through four minutes of stoppage time before referee Ben Speedie confirmed their place in the final with the last whistle.
Supporters then spilled onto the pitch as the club moved one game away from promotion.
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