Nervy Carle and City win through to final play-off

Qantas Socceroo Nick Carle was in the thick of the action and survived a few nervy moments, as Bristol City made hard work of taking another step towards qualifying for the English Premier League overnight.

Qantas Socceroo Nick Carle was in the thick of the action and survived a few nervy moments, as Bristol City made hard work of taking another step towards qualifying for the English Premier League overnight.

Bristol took a 2-1 advantage back to Ashton Gate for the second leg of their Championship semi final play-off against Crystal Palace, but despite having more shots at goal than Palace, found themselves down 1-0 at full time. With the away goals rule not in place for these play-off-s, the match went into extra-time and it was Bristol that eventually got on top, scoring twice in 30 extra minutes to win through to the play-off final on May 24.

Carle though, must have been thinking the worst, when with 20 minutes remaining, he completely missed an attempted clearance and his leg collided with Tom Soares, bringing the striker down in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty for Palace. A successful kick would have put Palace two up and on course for an astounding comeback and place in the play-off.

However Ben Watson, the scorer of Palace-s opening goal with a superb header from the edge of the box after 24 minutes, had the chance to repeat his penalty heroics from the first leg, but struck his shot against the post much to the delight of the City fans and players.

Carle had several half chances in the game, but with the tie 2-2 at the end of full-time, extra time ensued and Lee Trundle-s curling effort and then Michael McIndoe-s well struck shot from a free kick, saw City go through to the final.

City will play the winner of the other semi final play-off tomorrow morning (AEST) between Richard Garcia-s Hull City and Watford, with Hull taking a two-goal lead into the match.