Monday 16 May 2016 06:52, UK
Plymouth Argyle boss Derek Adams praised defender Peter Hartley for his stoppage-time winner that sealed a Sky Bet League Two play-off final spot at Wembley.
Following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg, Sunday evening's match was a nervy affair at Home Park, with both sides spurning good openings.
In the end, a close-range header from Hartley snatched a 1-0 win in time added on, and Adams couldn't hide his delight.
"It was a great ball in from Graham Carey and a great header by Peter at the back post," Adams said. "We're always difficult to deal with from set plays because of our height and delivery, and this game was no different.
"It's a fantastic achievement for the football club, just to get to Wembley. It's 20 years since Plymouth Argyle have been there, and we're going back.
"The fans were fantastic from start to finish again. We went to Fratton Park and Portsmouth's fans were fantastic as well.
"Obviously we hit the post, then we had a couple of chances over the bar and near-misses. Then it got nearer to the end of the game and you get a bit worried that Portsmouth might nick one at the other end, or it could've gone to extra-time.
"I think it got to that stage in the game where it looked like it was going to go to extra-time.
"But the players are always believing, and that's something we've drilled into them. They've got very good energy levels. They started off the season on the running track and it's prepared them well for the end of the season.
"But to score in the way we did, it's been very good for us, because we've had hard times away to Exeter, away to Accrington, and if we hadn't lost these two games we would have had automatic promotion.
"I've got to say to Paul Cook as well: he was man enough to come in and speak to our players after the game and wish them all the best, and so was their chairman and backroom staff.
"That's not an easy thing to do after you've been defeated, but I'm very grateful to them for doing that."
Portsmouth boss Paul Cook praised the Green Army, and revealed pride in his players for their efforts.
"Tonight is not about us, it should all be about Plymouth, it's their night and you've got to give them that respect," Cook said. "They are a great club and I'm sure Derek and his players will enjoy their day at Wembley and so will Accrington or Wimbledon, whoever gets there with them.
"Plymouth got on top of the game and we have not had a good day. But we will look at that tomorrow, it's for another day. Now it's about Plymouth.
"We have a great club and I'm proud of the players. Tonight just wasn't our night. We have had 46 games to try and get promotion and we didn't get it, so that's heart-breaking because we have got magnificent fans and I wanted to do it for them."
