Blackpool's Clark Robertson (centre celebrates his side's winning goal, and own goal scored by Luton Town goalkeeper Stuart Moore (not pictured) during the Sky bet League Two play-off second leg match at Kenilworth Road. Adam Davy
Wrap
Mixed fortunes for Irish players in tonight's thrilling playoff semi-finals
There was remarkable late drama in both games, with Exeter City and Blackpool ultimately prevailing.
EXETER AND BLACKPOOL will meet in the League Two playoff final after tonight’s thrilling semi-final action.
In the game at Kenilworth Road, it ended 3-3 on the night, with Blackpool going through 6-5 on aggregate at Luton’s expense.
Blackpool had won 3-2 in the first leg, and Nathan Delfouneso extended their advantage on 22 minutes.
However, a Kelvin Mellor own goal, Scott Cuthbert’s header and Danny Hylton’s spot kick put the Hatters ahead on aggregate after 57 minutes.
Armand Gnanduillet brought the sides level again with 14 minutes remaining, before goalkeeper Stuart Moore’s own goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time ensured Blackpool were on their way to the final.
The outcome meant heartbreak for Luton’s Irish pair, Glen Rea and Alan Sheehan, both of whom played the full game tonight. Nonetheless, Waterford’s Eddie Nolan, who has three caps for Ireland, will have been thrilled, having watched on from the bench as his side secured a memorable win.
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Exeter City's Jack Stacey celebrates after the final whistle during the Sky Bet League Two play-off second leg at St James Park. David Davies
David Davies
The night’s other semi-final was similarly dramatic — Exeter beat Carlisle 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate to set up a date in the final with the Seasiders.
The hosts looked set for a comfortable passage into the final at one point. After the first leg ended 3-3, Ollie Watkins put them ahead on 10 minutes and his second of the night on 79 minutes appeared to kill the tie.
Nevertheless, Jason Kennedy’s 81st-minute goal gave Carlisle hope, before former Ireland U21 international John O’Sullivan incredibly brought his side level in the 90th minute.
There was another twist, though, as Jack Stacey’s 95th-minute winner sent the home crowd wild.
It was a cruel end to the season for O’Sullivan and Dubliner Jamie Devitt, who started for Carlisle and played 57 minutes of the tie.
On the other hand, there was joy for Liam McAlinden and Pierce Sweeney, both of whom have represented Ireland at underage level and were unused subs for Exeter this evening.
English Football League play-off results on Thursday:
League Two
Semi-final second leg
Luton 3 Blackpool 3
Blackpool win 6-5 on aggregate
Exeter 3 Carlisle 2
Exeter win 6-5 on aggregate
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Mixed fortunes for Irish players in tonight's thrilling playoff semi-finals
EXETER AND BLACKPOOL will meet in the League Two playoff final after tonight’s thrilling semi-final action.
In the game at Kenilworth Road, it ended 3-3 on the night, with Blackpool going through 6-5 on aggregate at Luton’s expense.
Blackpool had won 3-2 in the first leg, and Nathan Delfouneso extended their advantage on 22 minutes.
However, a Kelvin Mellor own goal, Scott Cuthbert’s header and Danny Hylton’s spot kick put the Hatters ahead on aggregate after 57 minutes.
Armand Gnanduillet brought the sides level again with 14 minutes remaining, before goalkeeper Stuart Moore’s own goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time ensured Blackpool were on their way to the final.
The outcome meant heartbreak for Luton’s Irish pair, Glen Rea and Alan Sheehan, both of whom played the full game tonight. Nonetheless, Waterford’s Eddie Nolan, who has three caps for Ireland, will have been thrilled, having watched on from the bench as his side secured a memorable win.
The night’s other semi-final was similarly dramatic — Exeter beat Carlisle 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate to set up a date in the final with the Seasiders.
The hosts looked set for a comfortable passage into the final at one point. After the first leg ended 3-3, Ollie Watkins put them ahead on 10 minutes and his second of the night on 79 minutes appeared to kill the tie.
Nevertheless, Jason Kennedy’s 81st-minute goal gave Carlisle hope, before former Ireland U21 international John O’Sullivan incredibly brought his side level in the 90th minute.
There was another twist, though, as Jack Stacey’s 95th-minute winner sent the home crowd wild.
It was a cruel end to the season for O’Sullivan and Dubliner Jamie Devitt, who started for Carlisle and played 57 minutes of the tie.
On the other hand, there was joy for Liam McAlinden and Pierce Sweeney, both of whom have represented Ireland at underage level and were unused subs for Exeter this evening.
English Football League play-off results on Thursday:
League Two
Semi-final second leg
Luton 3 Blackpool 3
Blackpool win 6-5 on aggregate
Exeter 3 Carlisle 2
Exeter win 6-5 on aggregate
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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Irish stars Semi Finals Blackpool Carlisle United Exeter City Luton Town Wrap