Southampton defeat West Brom to reach playoff final

Southampton moved one step closer to returning to the Premier League with a 3-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the second leg of their Championship playoff semi-final on Friday, advancing to the final 3-1 on aggregate.

Russell Martin's side will face Leeds United, who defeated Norwich City 4-0 on Thursday, at Wembley Stadium on May 26 for a place in the top flight.

Southampton dominated the first half and took the lead four minutes after the break when Will Smallbone shot off the post following a counterattack.

"What a win. It was a tough game, West Brom are a tough side," Smallbone told Sky Sports.

"The manager put a lot of faith in me this year and I can't speak highly enough of what he's done for me and my career. It's been my dream to be here playing for as long as I can remember and to do it right now is amazing."

Adam Armstrong, the Championship's second-highest scorer, extended the lead with a low shot in the 78th minute before sealing the victory with a penalty four minutes later.

"It's amazing and something we've been working on all year, to get back to the Premier League. We were gutted we didn't make the top two, but if we can go up this way, what a way it will be," Armstrong said.

Cedric Kipre scored a late consolation goal for West Brom.

Leicester City and Ipswich Town won automatic promotion to the Premier League as Championship winners and runners-up, respectively.

SportsLigue