Southampton faced off with West Bromwich Albion on Friday evening in search for a place in the Championship play-off final, where the Saints marched away 3-1 victors.
The win will see Russell Martin's side take on Leeds United at Wembley on May 26 for a place in the Premier League, with both teams looking to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Will Smallbone's scintillating strike opened the scoring for the home side in the 49th minute, giving Southampton a much deserved lead early into the second half.
Saints talisman Adam Armstrong then added two goals with a strike across goal in the 78th minute, before smashing home a penalty in the 86th.
Cedric Kipre gave the away fans something to celebrate, his well placed header finding its way into the Southampton goal to provide the Baggies with a consolation with 97 minutes on the clock.
Here are four things we learnt from the Championship play-off clash.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is ready for the Premier League
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been outstanding for the Saints all season, with the south coast outfit reportedly having a deal in the region of £20 Million lined up with Manchester City should they return to the Premier League next campaign.
He proved just why he is regarded so highly against West Brom on Friday night, completing 97 passes and being a driving force in Southampton's ability to maintain possession and prevent the Baggies from offering much threat.
He also reminded everybody of his defensive capabilities with a goal stopping block in the first half, while also completing three recoveries and an interception.
Regardless of Southampton's league status next season, Harwood-Bellis has proven that he is ready to make the jump in divisions.
West Brom will be back
While they came unstuck at St Mary's due to a lack of ability to keep hold of the ball up against Southampton's relentless pressure, it was also pretty clear that West Brom have the makings of a top side.
Carlos Corberan has been dubbed the best off the ball coach in the division by his opposite number Martin, and this was evident particularly in the first half of the semi-final second leg.
The shape and discipline West Brom held was a spectacular showing of defensive capabilities, and with things off the field looking on the up, it is clear that should Corberan be backed in the transfer market West Brom will be up in contention for promotion again next season.
Flynn Downes the metronome
The West Ham United loanee showed again that he is an essential part of the make-up of this Southampton side, and the Saints must do everything within their power to keep him at St Mary's for next season.
Downes grabbed an assist in this game, a surging run from deep before playing it to his left for top scorer Armstrong to plant in the bottom corner of Alex Palmer's goal.
Downes really is the complete midfielder for Martins side, and it has become evident throughout the season why the manager was so keen to bring the player to his side, after working with him previously at Swansea City.
A blend of technical brilliance and a desire to do the hard work, Downes suits Russell Martins side down to a tee, and everything within the clubs power should be done to keep him at the club for the 24/25 season.
West Brom's wicked wingers
West Brom didn't have an awful lot going forward in this second leg, however when they did, everything came through academy graduate Tom Fellows and Celtic loanee Michael Johnston.
Both wide men again demonstrated their ability to go either way, by cutting inside and hitting the byline to cross the ball. Fellows in particular impressed for the Baggies in a game in which positives are hard to come by. He showed real grit and endeavor in acting as a wing back, showing he has a defensive side to his game.
Johnston meanwhile, whipped in a dangerous cross late in the game, which was met by the head of Kipre, and then the back of the net to provide a consolation to the fans who made the 228 mile round trip.
The Irishman provided seven goals and an an assist in his 15 league starts, and if West Brom were to sign him permanently, it would be a real statement of intent for next season, and would also help maintain attacking continuity.
