Southampton secured their spot in the Championship playoff final with a decisive 3-1 aggregate victory over West Bromwich Albion, aided by a solid performance from Joe Aribo.

Aribo who played 89 minutes and had one shot on goal has now made 37 appearances for Southampton this season, contributing four goals and one assist.

Following a goalless first leg, and an even lethargic first half performance in the first half of their second leg, it was Southampton who would eventually break the deadlock with a strike from Will Smallbone in the second half.

Smallbone’s angled shot from just inside the box found the top right corner of West Brom’s goal, leaving goalkeeper Alex Palmer with no chance.

Adam Armstrong extended Southampton’s lead with a goal just over 10 minutes before the final whistle, sparking celebrations among the home fans.

Armstrong then secured Southampton’s trip to Wembley by converting a penalty after Ryan Manning was fouled. West Brom’s Cedric Kipre scored a consolation header in injury time.

Southampton’s victory ensures their place in the highly anticipated playoff final with Leeds United at Wembley.