Underdogs Stevenage almost punished Reading moments later when an unmarked Chris Beardsley thumped a header over the top.

BBC: Stevenage 1-2 Reading

The 22-year-old had not scored since late August but defeated Krul with a powerful strike after Long and Chris Beardsley worked the ball into his path.

BBC: Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle

Stevenage will take on Torquay in the League Two play-off final after substitue Chris Beardsley scored the only goal at nine-man Accrington to give his team a 3-0 aggregate victory.

BBC: Accrington 0-1 Stevenage (agg 0-3)