Derby spot on for Wembley

Forced into a penalty shoot-out after a stunning comeback from Southampton, four County players produced finishes of the highest quality from the spot to deny George Burley a glorious return to his former club.

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Davies, who twice took Preston to the play-offs in this division and lost, said: "I thought we thoroughly deserved it over the two legs. It's an unbelievable achievement by this club.

"We performed much better in extra-time, could have had a penalty but didn't get the breaks.

"After we scored so early I thought if we could hold on for five minutes then that would be it. But, being Derby County, we gave away a stupid goal and that set it all off.

"This is the best for me when you think of where this club have come from."

Derby, firm favourites following their 2-1 first leg triumph, scored after three minutes but were hit by a fightback from the visitors who forced the game into extra-time.

When the semi-final went to penalties, both Leon Best and Inigo Idiakez blazed high and wide from 12 yards, sparking scenes of unrestrained joy.

But it was a close-run thing as Burley was within a whisker of pulling off one of the greatest victories in play-off history.

After Darren Moore's header left them two goals adrift, a stunning finish from Jhon Viafara brought them back within touching distance and a second from the Colombian eight minutes into the second half set home hearts fluttering.

An own goal by Best left County within sight of the finishing post. But the Saints deservedly took the tie into extra-time when Derby old boy Grzegorz Rasiak slammed low into the bottom corner.

It was nip and tuck for the final half-hour but when it came to the shoot-out, David Jones, Steve Howard, Giles Barnes and Jay McEveley gave Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis no chance.

Burley said: "Losing on penalties is tough but overall I couldn't have asked any more from the players on the night. We have set out to improve — and we have.

"We have shown we're a team who want to attack. Although it has been difficult to take tonight, we are going in the right direction."

It was a thrilling tie — if you were not emotionally involved. The excitement started from the first corner of the game. Matt Oakley swung a ball to the penalty spot and Moore beat Davis with his header.

Home fans must have been dreaming of a trip down the M1 to Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday.

But any such thoughts were rendered premature just 70 seconds later. The Saints pumped the ball forward, forcing Moore to head back towards his own goal.

Stephen Bywater raced out of his area but, unable to control with his hands, the former West Ham goalkeeper chose instead to nod it clear.

The ball fell perfectly at the feet of midfielder Viafara, who found an empty net from 35 yards out.

Southampton came out flying after the interval and went into the lead on the night when Best fed Viafara, who slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

Davies threw on Barnes and he had an immediate impact, although Best was credited with the own goal that put Derby back in front as the ball hooked off his flailing boot and into the net.

Derby were within sight of the final whistle when the tie took a final dramatic twist. Substitute Djamel Belmadi caused confusion with a tricky run down the left.

As he was tackled by a despairing defender, the ball rolled into the area to the feet of Rasiak.

Regulars to Pride Park know all about the Pole's prowess in front of goal — he was the club's leading goalscorer two seasons ago as Burley led them to the play-offs — and he has lost none of his skill, controlling well before slamming the ball into the bottom corner from 15 yards.

After being booed as he made his way on to the pitch as a late second-half substitute, the goal would have given Rasiak particular pleasure.

He was forced out of the club due to Derby's severe cash problems and that goal could have ended up costing the club a £60m bonus.

As it was, Davies inflicted play-off heartache on Burley for the second time. Two years ago, he was in charge of Preston as they saw out a goalless draw to defeat Burley's County.

The home faithful were cursing him then. Last night they sang his praises to the rafters.

DERBY COUNTY (4-4-2): Bywater; Mears, Leacock, Moore, McEveley; Fagan (Currie 105min), Oakley, Johnson (Jones 86), Pearson; Howard, Macken (Barnes 62). Booked: Johnson.

Scorers: Moore 3, Best 66 (og).

SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): Davis; Makin (Belmadi 71), Baird, Craine, Skacel; Viafara, Pele, Guthrie (Idiakez 83), Surman; Saganowski (Rasiak 74), Best. Booked: Idiakez

Scorers: Viafara 4, 54, Rasiak 89.

Man of the match: Jhon Viafara.

Referee: Andy D'Urso.