Premier League 2

Aston Villa reach play-off final with thrilling win

2 May 2018
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Aston Villa

Hepburn-Murphy's late goal gives Villans 4-3 win over Reading in PL2 Division 2 play-off semi-final at Villa Park

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Aston Villa into final thanks to Hepburn-Murphy brace

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy scored a stoppage-time winner to take Aston Villa into the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off final with a 4-3 win over Reading at Villa Park.

After a goalless first hour, there were seven goals in an extraordinary conclusion to the contest.

Gabriel Osho put the visitors ahead, but Hepburn-Murphy equalised immediately and Easah Suliman headed the hosts in front before Tom McIntyre made it 2-2.

Corey Blackett-Taylor restored Villa's lead only for Teddy Howe to level with nine minutes remaining.

But Hepburn-Murphy (pictured), a nominee for April's PL2 Player of the Month and the two-goal hero in their Premier League Cup semi-final win over Leicester City, had the final say seconds before the tie would have gone to extra-time.

Villa, who finished second in the table, now play third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park in the final, with the winner getting promoted to Division 1.

See: Aston Villa report | Reading report

Next fixtures

Aston Villa: 4 May v Swansea (A) PL Cup

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