Johnson relishing Wembley trip May 14 2008
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson hailed his players' fitness levels after they booked their place in "one of the biggest games of the world".
Extra-time goals from Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe moved the Robins to within one game of the Barclays Premier League as they secured a 4-2 aggregate win over Crystal Palace in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final second leg at Ashton Gate.
Ben Watson's first-half header had drawn Palace level on aggregate follow City's 2-1 win on Saturday but the Eagles midfielder turned from hero to villain when he missed a penalty with 18 minutes remaining.
That forced extra time but Trundle's left-footed curling effort in the 104th minute and McIndoe's drilled shot five minutes later ensured Gary Johnson's side will face either Hull or Watford in the play-off final on May 24.
And Johnson felt his side's endurance had proved to be a key factor as the game progressed.
"I trust these players and they trust me with their fitness and commitment in the last parts of games," he said.
"How many times have we come back in games late on and it's credit to my medical team, my coaching staff and myself of course and the players for working so hard for these types of days.
"It's why you work hard all season because you need to finish strong on occasions like this."
He added: "We won both games at the end of day 2-1 and that's put us through to a Wembley final in what is one of the biggest games of the world."
The City manager reserved special praise for his two matchwinners, who both scored goals worthy of any stage.
"I keep saying we have some players that have great quality," he added.
"Trunds loves to get into that position and he does tend to tuck them in and I'm proud of him for doing that because he works hard at it.
"Then McIndoe always fancies himself in that kind of area and he struck it well."
He also credited Eagles boss Neil Warnock, who even congratulated him before the game had ended in anticipation of the mass pitch invasion which followed.
"Just before the whistle went he knew there wasn't going to be much of a chance to come over and say well done to each other so credit to him.
"Everyone's got to be humble in defeat and I'm definitely humble in victory.
"The game can sometimes be won off the field as well as on but at the end of the day it's down to your players.
"We have to be careful as we still might be playing them next season!"
The Palace boss revealed one supporter had thrown a punch at him but was quick to make light of the situation.
Warnock said: "One young yobbo caught me. I think one of the security guards trod on him as he fell to the floor because I heard him squeal."
He added: "He needs his eyesight looking at because he was that close I don't know how he missed, he just grazed me. There's millions of people who would like to do that!"
It may have been the first time Warnock has suffered defeat in a play-off semi-final after five successes but he insisted the season remains a success.
"It's probably one of the most successful seasons I have had when I look at the materials I have started with," he added.
"I have been around the dressing room tonight. They have all been a revelation tonight, I couldn't be any prouder."