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AFC Bournemouth

Stunning goal sees second team book place at Championship Playoff Final

A stunning goal sees the second team book a valuable place at the Championship Playoff Final to take place later this month.

In this playoff semi-final second leg Swansea City faced Barnsley, with still a lot to play in the lovely sunshine at the Liberty Stadium.

Andre Ayew’s goal gave Steve Cooper’s side a 1-0 win at Oakwell in the first leg, knowing that the winner will play Brentford (who knocked out Bournemouth) in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on the 29th of May.

To the last remaining semi final tie then and the two sides started the game trying to get a grip of possession.

Every Swansea touch was cheered by fans, but it’s Barnsley who looked to be getting on the front foot first.

A few Callum Brittain throw-ins helped them get into the Swans’ half, before Alex Mowatt crossed from a free-kick which goalkeeper Freddie Woodman gathered.

By the 7th minute, the Swansea keeper had a few long balls to gather. Swansea were awarded a free-kick in a promising position after Toby Sibbick committed a needless foul on Jamal Lowe wide on the left.

Conor Hourihane crossed into the penalty area but Barnsley keeper Brad Collins punched the ball away.

Swansea produced their first attack of the game on the 15th minute as Jamal Lowe tried to get on to a through ball, however it doesn’t fall for him and Barnsley clear for a throw-in.

Barnsley were doing a great job of disrupting Swansea’s flow, making the home side struggle to keep possession as their opponents keep targetting long balls into the Swans’ half.

The Tykes enjoyed an encouraging period on the 30th minute mark, keeping Swansea in their own half and worked the ball to the edge of the penalty area but Carlton Morris lost out to a fine tackle by Marc Guehi.

Barnsley get the ball forward as fast as possible while Swansea, for the most part, seem content to play them at their own game.

Steve Cooper’s side enjoy passing – but they have had little control in possession.

Then almost out of nowhere, Barnsley keeper Brad Collins punched clear a Conor Hourihane cross from a free-kick out wide on the left.

The ball is then headed by Jay Fulton on to midfielder Matt Grimes, who shifted past Callum Brittain and curled a brilliant shot from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner.

Swansea ended the half hunting a second goal following some pretty low quality stuff from Valérien Ismaël’s side. Could a team talk really change the complexion of this game like we’ve seen in so many others?

On the 52nd minute, Wayne Routledge indicated that he was in real pain and received treatment after landing awkwardly and, was seen holding his knee.

The Swans physios signalled for a stretcher and off he went, potentially his last game with his contract up this summer.

With roughly 30 minutes remaining, Swansea looked to launch a counter-attack and, after some good build-up play from Andre Ayew and Jay Fulton, they’re foiled by the covering Alex Mowatt. Cooper’s side easily comfortable.

Callum Styles sent in a corner for Barnsley which found Carlton Morris at the back post and his header was well saved by Freddie Woodman.

The Swansea keeper came for the next corner and was a little lucky as his punch deflected off a Barnsley head and out for a goal kick.

A lightning-quick counter-attack on the 71st minute and suddenly it was game on as Barnsley got one back to make it yet another tense finish. 2-1 Swansea on aggregate.

Substitute right-back Jordan Williams set off on a marauding run, from his own half all the way towards the Swansea penalty area.

He pulled the ball back to the edge of the box, where Cauley Woodrow connected with an excellent first-time shot.

The 83rd minute and it was Barnsley’s turn to really press for a second goal.

They win a corner on the right-hand side which Carlton Morris met but headed over.

Swansea were trying to hold on to all they had with full time approaching. They could barely get out of their half, and were under a huge amount of pressure.

A huge chance for Swansea went begging on the 89th minute. Korey Smith, brought on to add defensive solidity in midfield, found himself clear on goal after a fine pass over the top by Matt Grimes.

Smith never looked confident and slipped, allowing Brad Collins to gather. Connor Roberts then had a shot, which Collins saved.

Swansea hold on! They’re on the way to Wembley!

Barnsley threw everything at them in that second half but a brilliant season for Valerien Ismael’s side comes to an end at the Liberty Stadium.

For the Swans, they are one game away from a return to the Premier League.

They will face Brentford, who they lost to in last season’s semi-final, at the Wembley final next Saturday.

Swansea City captain and goal scorer Matt Grimes told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t the prettiest game but we got the job done and dug in at the end.

“It means the world to me [to score] but to get us to Wembley and the chance of promotion is what it was all about.

“The fans were different class and it was great to get them back.

“In that last 20 minutes they threw the kitchen sink at us and we had to dig deep.

“We’ve come a long way under Steve Cooper in the last few years. We play good stuff when we need to but we also showed we can dig deep.

“We have the perfect blend, loads of experience and top players.”

Fans gave their reaction as a stunning goal sees the second team, Swansea, book a place at the Championship Playoff Final…

@adam8mitchell: Things you love to see

@welshy1820: Absolutely buzzing, see you there 💪

@LarsonEvans: good win boys, absolutely lush. on to the final we go

@lewisredburn2: Don’t deserve it dirty Welsh bastards

@bhafcjason: the ref gave it everything too, just gotta hope that Brentford smash them

@Rlclips2: Can we talk about both Swansea’s goals coming from jammy areas? Ayews goal was after dike got fouled yet no freekick and grimes got a goal from the freekick that was against helik yet he was being thrown around? Great season from the lads we need our own ref tho

@Sheldwardo34 (Replying to @BarnsleyFC): You’ll be up there again for sure next season great ownership, great players, great manager, great scouting system and recruitment! Great stuff!

@TheTrueBking: Never heard of Barnsley until Daryl dike was going on loan here, congrats on a great season and hopefully another promotion run next season will be pulling for it

@jared_denham: Can’t say I’m not disappointed not to go all the way but every single one of them players should walk off that field with their heads held high and what a job Val has what a season it’s been can’t wait to for next season COYR

@DanielConibeer: Lookout Brentford

@MickyAndersons: After that performance Brentford will piss the final

@sfosterrr: Congrats on today – you were the better team. Shame Brentford are going up.

@WonderWoodrow9: For future reference how much is the referee on?

@Ethan_Matthews7: Congrats to Swansea and there 12 men

@bfcdan_: Fair play lads good luck in the final 👏

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