Middlesbrough 3-0 Brentford as it happened

1. Middlesbrough reach Championship play-off final
2. Boro win 5-1 on aggregate after 3-0 win at Riverside
3. Tomlin, Kike and Adomah on target for Teessiders
4. Final at Wembley on 25 May

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So Middlesbrough will go to Wembley for the Championship play-off final. They have never won at the home of English football - could 2015 finally be their year for success?

But who will they face for a place in the Premier League? Find out tomorrow by joining us for our live text coverage of Norwich v Ipswich, which is delicately balanced at 1-1 after the first leg.

All that's left for us to say tonight is thanks for joining us, and we leave you with Matt Newsum's report on the action from the Riverside tonight, which will make happy reading for Boro fans.

We'll see you tomorrow. Good night.

For Middlesbrough fans, this is a night they will not forget in a hurry. Their team stopped Brentford playing and were clinical up front.

Grant Leadbitter was instrumental in midfield, while Albert Adomah and Lee Tomlin shined going forward.

But tactically Aitor Karanka got things spot on, once again. His side are now just one more win away from a return to the top flight.

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Boro boss Aitor Karanka tells Sky Sports:

"It's amazing. I've been the manager for 18 months and to be here now, well, I've told the players thank you very much.

"I never played at Wembley - they have given me the opportunity. I dreamt to play at Wembley, but it was not possible.

"We have played really well all season. This team always showed the spirit. We have now beaten Brentford four times this season."

So Brentford's dream of a first top-flight return since 1947 is over for at least another year, but they surely exceeded their fans' expectations after winning promotion from League One last season.

Mark Warburton's time as Bees boss comes to an end with a 3-0 loss, but he has seen the club make great progress under his leadership.

His side were second best tonight, but all credit has to go to Boro.

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Boro midfielder Grant Leadbitter tells Sky Sports:

"We outclassed Brentford tonight.

"A lot of people have been saying we've had a good season, but we need to get promoted to have a good season."

Boro winger Albert Adomah tells Sky Sports: "Today is down to everyone on the pitch and all the subs. Everyone defended well and attacked well.

"But the job is not done yet. We need to go to Wembley and win against Ipswich or Norwich

"I don't mind who we face, because I haven't played at Wembley before. Everyone is looking forward to it."

Fans rush onto the pitch and engulf the Boro players. The appeals for them to stay off the pitch fall on deaf ears, and there are flares going off now too.

Adam Clayton is posing for 'selfies' with some supporters.

Pure joy for these Boro fans, who have waited 17 years for a trip to Wembley.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"It is a brilliant night for Middlesbrough. They truly were outstanding."

FULL-TIME

That's it. Middlesbrough are through to the Championship play-off final.

What an excellent, accomplished performance from Aitor Karanka's side.

SUBSTITUTION

A nice moment here.

Jonathan Woodgate is brought on to replace Grant Leadbitter and he takes the captains armband for the final moments.

Boro are having a night to remember.

Three minutes have been indicated by the fourth official.

These will be the final moments of Mark Warburton's time as Brentford boss.

Alex Pritchard hits a sweet strike from way, way outside the area, but Dimi Konstantopoulos gathers it. That's Brentford's best effort for the last 20 minutes.

At the other end, Albert Adomah fires just over from a tight angle. He has had an exceptional night for Boro, posing a threat all game.

Hundreds of Boro fans are positioning themselves down in the front row behind one of the goals.

We couldn't possibly see a pitch invasion could we?

YELLOW CARD

Harlee Dean goes into the book, to further dampen Bees spirits.

In truth, Brentford heads are really down. They deserve to be proud of their efforts this season, but tonight is simply not their night.

Middlesbrough have fully deserved their convincing lead.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"Brentford have impressed me this season but they have not shown up on the big occasion.

"It looks to me that the Brentford players have frozen tonight and have not been able to reproduce the form they have shown this season."

SUBSTITUTION

Lee Tomlin comes off, to a standing ovation, after a top performance.

Adam Forshaw comes on for the last eight minutes of normal time against his former club.

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Middlesbrough want even more goals here.

They push forward again and Lee Tomlin drags his shot wide, but they are full of confidence.

The Riverside is rocking.

GOAL Albert Adomah

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Game, set and match Boro.

Albert Adomah finishes off a great team move, which started just outside their own penalty area.

He plays a neat one-two in the box with Lee Tomlin before side-stepping around David Button and blasting into the back of the net.

Middlesbrough are going to Wembley.

Lee Tomlin looks like he is in for his second goal of the night, bursting clear on the counter, but James Tarkowski gets a crucial foot in just before he was about to shoot.

That was a big chance, but with the score the way it is, Boro won't mind too much.

Some excellent defending from Adam Clayton brings an end to a fine Brentford move. He has been superb tonight, it has to be said.

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live

"If this is the end for Brentford tonight you have to look at where they have come from.

"They have been going for back-to-back promotions. They have had an excellent season."

SUBSTITUTION

Chris Long comes on for Toumani Diagouraga as Brentford make their third and final change.

Could these be the last 20 minutes of Mark Warburton's time as Brentford manager?

His side need something quickly, or else their dream of consecutive promotions is fading fast.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

The Online Boy: Brentford have been poor, Boro deserve their lead.

Chris Mc: Can't wait for all three north east teams to be relegated next season from the Premier League.

Atticus_Montreal: This play-off stuff is so much fun. We should have the bottom four in the Premier-League go at it for the final survival spot.

SUBSTITUTION

Middlesbrough goal scorer Kike comes off, to warm applause, and is replaced by Adam Reach.

The Boro fans are singing "There's only one Steve Gibson".

Oh, how the Middlesbrough chairman would love a first return to the Premier League in six seasons.

Albert Adomah has time to fire a powerful effort at goal but it is comfortably saved by Brentford's David Button.

Boro are in no mood to sit back on their three-goal advantage.

SUBSTITUTION

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Now needing three goals to save this tie, Brentford boss Mark Warburton makes a double substitution.

Stuart Dallas and Jon Toral replace Jake Bidwell and Jota. A penny for Warburton's thoughts at the moment.

YELLOW CARD Kike

The Boro striker, by the way, took his shirt off in celebrating that goal and his name goes in the book.

The Middlesbrough fans are in dreamland. Tonight could hardly have gone better for them so far.

The Riverside has rarely sounded louder!

GOAL Kike

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Against the run of play, Boro double their lead on the night.

Jesse Vossen sprints into the penalty area and can't quite get his shot away, but the ball falls to Kike bursting into the box, who takes two touches and slams the ball past David Button.

Is that the goal that sends the Teesside club to Wembley for the first time since 1998?

This is Brentford's best spell of the night so far. They have looked really fired up since the break.

Remember, they need at least two goals...

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"What a chance! Brilliant from Moses Odubajo. It's the first time he has freed himself up on the right.

"He skipped past George Friend and whipped in an incredible ball and Andre Gray has gone with his wrong foot. If he had gone with his left foot he would have had tap in."

CLOSE!

Brentford almost equalise down the other end, as the ball comes into the box and across the six-yard box. Andre Gray is sliding in but he just can't quite reach the ball.

That had shades of Gazza against Germany in Euro 96. He was inches from equalising.

Boro almost make the perfect start to the second half as Albert Adomah whips over a dangerous cross but it bounces across the face of goal and beyond both strikers.

KICK-OFF

We are back under way for the second half of this game.

Can Brentford find a memorable comeback?

The play-offs still to come

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Tomorrow the play-off action will continue, with the last of this year's Championship semi-final second legs.

And it promises to be a real hum-dinger.

Norwich host Ipswich in the second leg of the 'Old Farm' derby, with the tie level after a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

You'll be able to follow live text coverage of that game with us here on the BBC Sport website.

The play-offs so far

It's fair to say we have already seen more than our share of drama in the Football League play-offs this season.

In League One, we were treated to what Swindon Town boss Mark Cooper described as a "ridiculous" and "freak" tie against Sheffield United, which his side won 7-6 on aggregate after an incredible 5-5 draw in the second leg.

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Meanwhile, Preston saw off Chesterfield 4-0 on aggregate, partly thanks to a memorable Jermaine Beckford goal from the halfway line.

In League Two, Southend eventually reached the final after a dramatic extra-time win over Stevenage, despite United's Barry Corr missing a penalty with virtually the last kick of normal time.

They will face Wycombe Wanderers after they enjoyed a 5-3 aggregate win over Plymouth.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

So what do you make of that then? Middlesbrough have been comfortable so far and deserve their lead.

Are they Wembley-bound or can Brentford mount a comeback?

Let us know using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at the Riverside

"Warm applause for Middlesbrough as they head off for the break with a two-goal aggregate cushion against Brentford, after an impressive lesson in how to handle promotion pressure.

"Helped no doubt by a supportive bumper crowd, there was a lack of anxiety and a healthy dollop of slickness to their play, capped by a stunner from Lee Tomlin.

"Andre Gray and Alex Pritchard have shown glimpses of their class for Brentford but it's been all too infrequent."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"Brentford have been sloppy in possession and have given the ball away far too readily.

"It has all been Middlesbrough. It was an excellent goal from Lee Tomlin and Albert Adomah has been excellent wide on the right."

HALF-TIME

The players trudge off the field for the break and it's Middlesbrough who have had things all their own way so far. They've been disciplined and have a deserved lead on the night thanks to an excellent finish from Lee Tomlin.

This needs to be a very big team talk from Mark Warburton, or we know it will be his last as Brentford boss.

Two minutes of added time have been indicated at the end of the first half.

Middlesbrough aren't pressing anywhere near as high up the field as they were in the first 25 minutes. They are sitting back, keeping their shape and keeping an organised back line.

As a result, Brentford are seeing a lot more of the ball now. But they are the team in need of goals, not Boro.

CLOSE!

Brentford with their best chance of the game so far. Alan Judge with the inviting cross to the far post, but Andre Gray could not quite connect with his header.

That was more like it though, from the visitors.

YELLOW CARD Dean Whitehead

A soft first yellow card of this game and it's Dean Whitehead who goes into the referees book, for a late challenge.

From the resulting Brentford free-kick, Middlesbrough comfortably clear the danger.

To remind you of where things stand, Middlesbrough are heading to Wembley if the score stays like this.

Brentford must score at least twice if they are to save this tie.

Alan Judge shoots from outside the area but his effort goes well wide. Brentford need to change something and get back into this game, and quickly. Things are looking very good for Middlesbrough at the moment.

Grant Leadbitter is receiving treatment on the pitch. That's a concern for Aitor Karanka. His captain has been excellent for Boro all season.

He gets up after a touch of the 'magic spray' and looks like he'll continue, for the time being.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at the Riverside

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"Pandemonium. Boro, already oozing confidence from the stands, have begun to show it on the field and their adventure was rewarded by a marvellous edge of the box finish by Lee Tomlin.

"The volume has gone up, the anticipation is immense. Brentford supporters on the far side have been quietened. They continue to push the ball around neatly but that Boro goal felt like a telling blow in this contest."

You can't say Boro don't deserve to be ahead. Their excellent pressing has completely stifled any Brentford attempts to put a good passing move together.

The Bees now need to score twice to at least send this tie to extra-time.

GOAL Lee Tomlin

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Lee Tomlin gives Boro the lead with a delightful curling finish from outside the area. It's a lovely finish.

But how much time did he have? Albert Adomah cut inside and squared the ball to him, and he was in acres of space in the D and Brentford barely closed him down.

Boro are in a fantastic position in this tie now.

Albert Adomah overhits a cross straight into the arms of Brentford keeper David Button, but Middlesbrough are definitely on top here.

Despite not really testing the keeper yet, they are having a really positive spell.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Thomas Coxon: Middlesbrough would be half decent if someone only told them to kick the ball instead of the opposition player!

Rob Stileman: The progression made by Diagouraga has been extraordinary. Different player to the one sent off in the 2011 JPT Final!

Adam Clayton plays Lee Tomlin in with an excellent through ball, but Tomlin's attempted cross is blocked and bounces into the grateful arms of David Button.

At the other end, Jota has Brentford's first effort on goal, but his low show rolls straight at Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Andre Gray looks to be in on goal, and is brought down in the box, but the flag was raised for offside against the Brentford striker and it's definitely the right decision.

He looks like he's in the mood tonight, though.

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live

"From what we have seen so far Brentford are not going to get many chances. They are going to have to be clinical."

Middlesbrough are pressing really high up the pitch here. They're pegging Brentford back deep into their own half. That's a clear tactic from Aitor Karanka's side.

If they can keep that level of pressing up all game, I'll be very impressed.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at the Riverside

PA

"Not a lot of nerves to be felt here despite the significance of the occasion, perhaps because Boro fancy themselves on home turf. Brentford have been patient, and not even a slippery surface has dissuaded either side from a slick passing game.

"Early movement from both Aitor Karanka and Mark Warburton too. Perhaps they're the only ones feeling the pressure?"

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"There is an excellent tempo to the game and both sides are looking to attack."

Brentford defender Harlee Dean does well to win the ball off Kike as the Boro striker attempts to chase down a dangerous-looking long ball.

That could be an interesting individual battle between those two, that could have a bit impact on the outcome of this game.

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Neither side has really got the ball forward yet in the early stages.

Meanwhile, BBC Radio Five Live are reporting that Patrick Bamford is believed to have an unspecified injury, which would explain why Kike has been preferred to him up front for Boro tonight. He is fit enough to make the bench just in case, however.

Noise rings around the Riverside as the teams exchange early touches of the ball. The play-offs usually guarantee a cracking atmosphere and tonight is no exception.

KICK-OFF

Brentford kick us off and play is underway at the Riverside!

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at the Riverside

"I've been at the Riverside on nights where it has felt like a reserve game but this is rocking. Both sets of fans in numbers but Boro are cranking up the volume. Players are out and the rain has subsided. Spine tingling stuff."

Here we go...

The teams are in the tunnel.

Which set of players will be heading back down that tunnel with the biggest smiles on their faces at the end of the night?

We're about to find out. Don't you go anywhere...

Listen to live radio commentary

As well as our live text service, you can also listen to BBC Radio 5 live's coverage of this evening's game.

Just click on the audio icon above to hear commentary from Conor McNamara and former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane.

View from the dugout

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Tonight could well be Mark Warburton's last match in charge of Brentford, but he remains determined to lead the club to a second consecutive promotion.

"I hope very much it's not the last game," the Bees boss told BBC London 94.9. "I'd love to give them the day out at Wembley and break the play-off curse.

"We created lots of chances in the first leg and we have to be more clinical.

"Will Middlesbrough defend the lead or come out and attack to try to increase it? We don't know but we have to win the game.

"We are 2-1 down but it is very clear to us what we have to do."

View from the dugout

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Boro boss Aitor Karanka does not want his side to think about Wembley until the job is done.

"I don't think we can think about the future when we have a really important game, I prefer to focus on tomorrow - after that we can dream," the Spaniard told BBC Tees.

"We have to go to the pitch with a winning mentality.

"In football anything can happen, it's great for confidence to beat them three times but on Friday it will mean nothing."

Only 15 minutes until kick-off. The sense of anticipation at the Riverside is growing as the teams near the end of their warm-ups.

Eighth-time lucky?

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Talking of records that are there to be broken, Brentford have never gone up via the play-offs. Could they finally end their duck this year?

History against Brentford

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Looking at the record books, it's fair to say history is against Brentford this evening.

Middlesbrough have won each of their last four home matches against the Londoners, the last three without conceding a goal - and the Bees' only win in seven visits to Teesside came in 1938.

Boro have also never lost a home leg of a play-off tie before.

Still, records are always there to be broken...

This season's match-ups

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All three meetings this season have so far gone the way of Middlesbrough.

Aitor Karanka's side ran out 4-0 victors at the Riverside in September, with Brentford boss Mark Warburton describing his side's display as their worst of the season.

Grant Leadbitter's penalty was enough to earn the Teessiders all three points at Griffin Park in January, while Fernando Amorebieta's injury-time strike earned Boro their slender advantage from last Friday's first leg.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at the Riverside

Matt Newsum

"The rain might be tumbling down here at the Riverside but it has so far failed to dampen the spirits of Boro and Brentford fans making their way into the stadium.

"The anticipation for the home support is tangible; 90 minutes separate them from a trip to Wembley and they lead from the first leg. Brentford come here more in hope than expectation but this is the play-offs and nothing is to be expected..."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

That's significant team news then Boro fans. What do you make of that?

It's all to play for at the Riverside this evening with just one goal separating the teams. But who is going to be heading to Wembley?

Will Middlesbrough have that opportunity to return to the Premier League after six years away? Or will it be the Bees buzzing at the prospect of being one game away from their first return to the top flight since 1947?

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

No Bamford for Boro

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The big team news from the Riverside tonight is that Football League Player of the Year Patrick Bamford is on the bench for Boro.

That is the only change to either side's starting XI from the first leg last Friday.

Kike starts instead of the Chelsea loanee up front.

Team news

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos, Whitehead, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Vossen, Tomlin, Kike.

Subs: Ripley, Reach, Nsue, Amorebieta, Forshaw, Woodgate, Bamford.

Brentford: Button, Odubajo, Dean, Tarkowski, Bidwell, Diagouraga, Douglas, Jota, Judge, Pritchard, Gray.

Subs: Craig, McCormack, Dallas, Bonham, Toral, Smith, Long.

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

First-leg recap

Fernando Amorebieta struck deep into stoppage time to give Middlesbrough a priceless 2-1 win at Griffin Park last Friday.

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Jelle Vossen had given the visitors the lead in the first half, before Andre Gray robbed goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos on the edge of his penalty area and slotted home an equaliser.

The home side had 62% of possession and were arguably the better side on the night, but it was Boro who were celebrating a week ago.

Who will be going to Wembley?

Tonight we turn our attention to the Riverside, where hosts Middlesbrough know that a draw or better will be enough to send them to Wembley for the first time in 17 years.

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But could the visitors Brentford spoil the party on Teesside?

The Bees know they must score this evening to have any chance of going through.

And if they don't, they know this match will be manager Mark Warburton's last in charge, with Brentford having already confirmed that he will leave this summer.

Here's a reminder about how last Friday's first leg at Griffin Park went.

Plenty to live up to

In 2010, DJ Campbell's second-half hat-trick saw Blackpool win a thriller at the City Ground.

In 2011, Swansea's Darren Pratley scored from inside his own half.

And in 2013, who could forget THAT goal from Troy Deeney at Vicarage Road.

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That's just a taste of what is already in the history books.

Now what drama has 2015 got in store for us?

Welcome to our live text coverage of this season's Championship play-off semi-final second legs.