A last minute goal from Stern John fired Birmingham City into the first division play-off final tonight and a step closer to the English premier league.
John converted a cross from Steve Vickers from close range as Steve Bruce's side defeated Millwall 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at the New Den to win 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 first-leg draw on Sunday.
Birmingham, who lost to Preston North End in the semi-finals last year, will face Norwich City, who overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 on aggregate, in the final in Cardiff on May 12th.
The winner will join Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion in the premier league next season.
"I'm delighted for everyone at the club, especially the players who have taken a lot of stick this season," said Bruce, who made his name as an uncompromising defender at Norwich in the mid-1980s.
"I can't pick out any individuals - they were all outstanding. I thought we were the better team throughout and deserved to win."
Both sides wasted good chances long before John's winner. Birmingham midfielder Olivier Tebiliy's header was cleared off the line by Ronnie Bull while Millwall's Tim Cahill headed against the crossbar at the end of the first half.
Dion Dublin shot wide with the goal at his mercy early after the break before John, clean through on goal, blazed high over the bar. Extra time appeared to be looming before John swept home Vickers's cross from just one metre out to send Birmingham through.
"It was a close game and I always thought one goal would decide it," said Millwall boss Mark McGee.
"We're disappointed but we've achieved more this season than we could have dreamed of and the experience will stand us in good stead. We know we have to improve to take the next step up."
Results:
English league promotion play-off semi-final second leg
Millwall 0 Birmingham 1
(Birmingham win 2-1 on aggregate)
Played on Wednesday:
Division one
Wolverhampton 1 Norwich 0
(Norwich won 3-2 on aggregate)
Final:Norwich v Birmingham
Sunday, May 12th - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Division two
Brentford 2 Huddersfield 1
(Brentford won 2-1 on aggregate)
Cardiff 0 Stoke 2 - after extra time
(Stoke won 3-2 on aggregate)
Final:Brentford v Stoke
Saturday, May 11th - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Played on Tuesday:
Division three
Cheltenham 1 Hartlepool 1
Aggregate 2-2. Cheltenham won 5-4 on penalties)
Rochdale 1 Rushden & Diamonds 2
(Rushden & Diamonds won 4-3 on aggregate)
Final:Cheltenham v Rushden & Diamonds
Monday, May 6th - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff