Kelland Watts sends the tie to penalties

NewcastleU23s made it through to the final of the Premier League 2 Division Two promotionplayoffs on Friday night, following an incredible semi-final success over theRoyals at the Madejski Stadium.

United will be away to Southampton in the final, to be played at St. Mary'sStadium on a date tbc.

1-1 after 90 minutes, it went to extra time during which Reading made it 2-1 andseemed to have clinched their place in the playoff final.

One added minute was played though - and during that Callum Roberts was fouledin the box and Kelland Watts kept his cool to level the tie from the spot andsend it to a penalty shootout.

That meant the outcome would be decided on penalty kicks and no less than threespot kick saves by Nathan Harker helped his side to victory. 

In what was the fourth league and cup meeting of these two sides this season,United came close to an early opener when Matty Longstaff had the ball at hisfeet just six yards from goal. However he pulled his shot wide.

The Magpies then had the ball in the net on 20 minutes, but Elias Sorensenrightly had his effort disallowed for an earlier infringement.

Halftime arrived with the tie scoreless and United in control, although Readingdid enjoy a brief period of domination towards the end of the half.

The Royals went ahead in the 59th minute, Omar Roberts sending over a deep crossfrom the left for the unmarked Teddy Howe to head past Harker from close range. 

Sorensen gave way to fellow forward Yannick Toure with 25 minutes left and arisky Reading backpass immediately put the substitute through on goal, Andressondenying him with his feet.

Fellow substitute Luke Charman exploiting another loose backpass soon and TomAllan laid the ball off for Callum Roberts to level in the 76th minute.

There was to be no more scoring in the remainder of the 90 minutes, Readingregaining the lead on 108 minutes when Jordan Holsgrove squeezed a low 20 yardshot between Harker and his near post.

And that seemed to be that, until the 121st minute....


Thanks to NUFC.com readers Steve Brown and Ian Ruddick for theirupdates and photos.

PS: In the other playoff semi-final on Friday, Southampton beat AstonVilla 2-0 at St. Mary's.