EXTRA-TIME goals from Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe sent Bristol City into the Championship play-off final as they ended Crystal Palace’s promotion hopes at Ashton Gate.

May 14 2008 Western Mail

Ben Watson’s first-half header had drawn Palace level on aggregate following City’s 2-1 win on Saturday, but the Eagles midfielder turned from hero to villain when he missed a penalty with 18 minutes remaining.

That forced extra time but Trundle’s left-footed curling effort in the 104th minute and McIndoe’s drilled free-kick five minutes later ensured Gary Johnson’s side will face either Hull or Watford on May 24 for a place in the Premier League.

It was a first play-off semi-final defeat in six attempts for Palace boss Neil Warnock but he could have few complaints over City progressing.

The Eagles took the lead on 24 minutes after a moment to forget for Robins defender Jamie McCombe, who should have left Danny Butterfield’s floated cross for goalkeeper Adrian Basso but instead gave the ball straight to Watson.

The Eagles midfielder, who also scored for Palace in the first leg, took full advantage, guiding his looping header into the empty net from the edge of the area.

Inevitably, both sides began to run out of steam as the prospect of extra-time loomed large, but each came within inches of snatching victory at the death.

First, Scannell’s deflected effort looped agonisingly on to the roof of the net and, down at the other end, Trundle came even closer with a delightful lob which clipped the top of the crossbar.

The former Swansea striker then went one better with a minute of the first half of extra-time remaining, curling a stunning effort beyond Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Dele Adebola should have sealed it early on in the second period but the Robins made sure when Nick Carle laid the ball off for McIndoe to fire a low shot inside the left post.

The result prompted a mass pitch invasion at the final whistle as Johnson’s men moved within one game of ending their 28-year exile from the top flight.