Saints reach landmark Premier League 2 play-offs final in dramatic fashion
SAINTS reached the final of the Premier League 2 play-offs for the first time with a pulsating 2-1 win after extra time at Selhurst Park.
The youngsters led twice and beat Crystal Palace, after Derrick Abu set up Dom Ballard's first-half opener and secured victory with a thunder strike.
Ademola Ola-Adebomi had pulled Palace level in the 52nd minute, forcing Saints to go the distance for the second time in their play-off campaign.
Victories over Leicester City, second-placed Fulham and now the Eagles have booked Calum McFarlane's side a visit to Man City in the final.
A date of Thursday, May 22, has been discussed, although details are not confirmed. Man City beat neighbours Man United 2-0 in their semi final.
GOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL DERRICK ABU STUNNERRERR!! 1-2!#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/qCCYIL9uoV
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 12, 2025
Saints are one of England's top under-21 teams, having also reached the semi-final of the Premier League Cup before losing to Brentford.
They visited Selhurst Park knowing Palace had smashed Chelsea 6-0 in their previous round, and had the top-end athleticism to blow Saints away.
The hosts looked dangerous on the counter attack for much of the first half, with Hindola Mustapha crashing an effort off of the crossbar.
Abu capitalised on a defensive mix-up to snatch possession in the Palace box and roll the ball across the goal for Ballard to control and finish.
The 32nd minute strike was Ballard's fourth in two matches, after netting a hat-trick against Fulham on his return from loan at Cambridge United.
Man City up next. No need to have fear. Go and enjoy it lads! #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/RHLbw6wSa2
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 12, 2025
Palace equalised from a short corner routine in the 53rd minute, with a deflected cross reaching Ola-Adebomi to head in at the back post.
Saints substitute Will Merry made a positive impact, forcing Palace goalkeeper Louie Moulden into two saves soon after his introduction.
Moulden could do nothing about man of the match Abu's fierce strike from outside the area in the first half of an extra 30 minute period.
Ballard also had two chances to wrap up the game, including one low effort from inside the box that struck the post and rebounded to safety.
Saints survived a goalmouth scramble that saw the woodwork hit in the final 10 seconds of the match to progress to the competition's final two.
AS THE FULL TIME WHISTLE GOES. UNBELIEVABLE SCENES. SAINTS INTO THE FINAL WITH A 2-1 WIN!#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/2yRP8v0Ou6
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 12, 2025
Saints: McNamara; Abu, Moore, Payne, Kayi Sanda, Bragg, Robinson, Akachukwu, Ballard, Sesey, Larios.
Subs: Abbotson, Dobson-Ventura, O'Brien-Whitmarsh, Merry, Ehibhatiomhan.
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