Carlisle United 3-1 Bradford City (3-2 agg): Ben Barclay's winner takes Cumbrians to Wembley
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Ben Barclay (right) will not be able to play in Carlisle's play-off final despite being the semi-final hero
Ben Barclay's extra-time header gave Carlisle United victory over Bradford City and secured a meeting with Stockport County in next Sunday's League Two play-off final.
The defender will not be able to play at Wembley because he is on loan from Stockport, but did not let that disappointment show as he celebrated his crucial goal - making it 3-1 on the day and 3-2 overall.
Brad Halliday put through his own net early on as Carlisle, a goal down from the first leg, got up and running in front of a buoyant crowd at Brunton Park.
Neither side were able to add to the scoring in normal time, with Bradford keeper Harry Lewis touching a shot onto the post, while City also struck the upright through Scott Banks.
Carlisle scored a second in the first half of extra time when Callum Guy's bobbling half-volley bounced all the way through past Lewis, but their joy was short-lived as substitute Matt Derbyshire levelled the tie.
Barclay then towered to meet Owen Moxon's cross and head home the winner.
Simpson homecoming brings Carlisle back to life
Paul Simpson's side have rediscovered their focus in the play-offs to see off Bradford City
Paul Simpson's return to his hometown club has breathed new life into Carlisle, first saving the club from relegation last term and now bringing them to within 90 minutes of promotion.
Having secured promotion with the Blues in his first spell in charge, the 56-year-old could repeat that feat when he leads the team out at Wembley in the final.
They have rediscovered their focus brilliantly in the knock-out phase, after a run of just two wins in 11 games toward the end of the campaign saw automatic promotion slip away.
Having bossed the first-half of this second-leg, they kept their cool when Bradford had their purple patch after the break, and had the composure to finish the game off once into extra-time.
Simpson has galvanised existing players, with Jack Armer, Joel Senior and goalscorer Guy playing key roles in this triumph and throughout the campaign, while some shrewd loans and signings such Kristian Dennis, Alfie McCalmont and John-Kymani Gordon have also played their part.
Moxon in particular has been another major import, and came to the fore when it counted in this second leg, with his fierce shot saved in the build-up to Halliday's own goal and a superb cross for Barclay's winner highlighting his quality.
The crowds have also soared, with the oft-empty Waterworks End being reopened for the tail end of the season as fans flocked back to help the Cumbrians over the line.
Supporters who have seen play-off heartache on three occasions now have the opportunity to return to Wembley for the first time since Football League Trophy success in 2011.
Bantams show heart, but fall short
Bradford's impressive support, sizeable stadium and the quality of their football all suggest they are set up for a higher level, but Mark Hughes' side will have to wait at least another year for the opportunity.
In Andy Cook they have one of the division's most prolific strikers, with 31 goals in all competitions, but he was kept quiet across the two legs despite his tireless work.
Bradford look likely to be among the challengers for promotion next term given the talent of Jamie Walker, Cook and Alex Gilliead, although the returns of loanees Banks and Romoney Crichlow are not guaranteed.
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson:
"We are not going there [to Wembley] to make up the numbers.
"I had so much belief in the group we had enough to get over the line.
"They produced a performance to get us a result against a good side.
"I am sweating buckets because I feel like I have gone through the mill myself."
Bradford manager Mark Hughes:
"It wasn't what we hoped for. Clearly we wanted to get to the last game of the season. We have played well enough this season to deserve that.
"We have looked back on the goals and clearly they are all bad goals. But every goal is a bad goal and we could have done better in certain situations.
"It has been an exceptional season in terms of where we were last year. We should not overlook that point.
"We have produced some great moments but other moments have hurt us and not allowed us to finish the season how we wanted.
"We are a different club now and we can use this disappointment next season. We came up short this season but next year we won't."