Rickie Lambert's 24th goal of the season helped send Southampton to Wembley after their defeat of MK Dons.
Saints to meet Carlisle in Johnstone's Paint Trophy final
Rickie Lambert's 24th goal of the season helped send Southampton to a first Wembley final since 1992 after a 4-1 aggregate win over MK Dons in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Lambert opened the scoring in the 15th minute after strike-partner Papa Waigo wriggled clear of his marker before feeding a pinpoint pass to Lambert to slot home from close range.
Saints' lead was doubled on the half hour after a comical own goal from Dons defender Danny Woodards - an attempted clearance hitting him in the chest and dribbling past goalkeeper Willy Gueret.
Paul Ince's side pulled one back on the stroke of half-time through midfielder Mark Randall's neat 12-yard finish, but the home side remained on top.
The second half became a scrappy affair as the away side desperately tried to get back into the tie, but clear-cut chances remained at a premium even as Saints' defending became more nervous.
The impressive Adam Lallana eventually made the game secure and confirmed Southampton's return to Wembley with a powerful finish in the 87th minute.