Charlton and Black Cats set for re-run of their dramatic penalty shoot-out play-off clash in 1998 after scraping through thriller at The Valley
CHARLTON sealed a dramatic place in the League One play-off final with a penalty shoot-out win over Doncaster.
Lee Bowyer's side were beaten 3-2 on the night at The Valley as Rovers refused to give up on their dream of a place in the Championship.
But striker Tommy Rowe, who had scored Doncaster's first goal in another thrilling game, ended up as the fall-guy as he lashed his penalty wide of target to gift Charlton the win.
The result means the Addicks will meet Sunderland at Wembley - a repeat of their famous play-off clash in 1998 which was decided on penalties.
Charlton had come into the match confident of safe passage through to Wembley after a commanding display winning 2-1 at Doncaster in the first-leg.
And when Krystian Bielik opened the scoring within two minutes, it left them in complete control and Rovers with a mountain to climb.
But nine minutes later Rowe struck to level the scores, and Grant McCann's side showed they were not about to roll over.
Yet try as they might they were unable to break down the home defence, and as the clock entered the final five minutes it seemed Charlton were destined to secure the final spot.
But three minutes from time defender Andy Butler climbed high at the far post to power a header into the bottom corner to force extra-time.
And Doncaster then stunned the home crowd when John Marquis headed in the third goal to leave them on the brink of making Wembley.
The joy was short-lived - 86 seconds to be precise - as Charlton struck back immediately through sub Darren Pratley to send the tie into penalties.
The first seven were converted with ease before Marquis fluffed his effort - only for Nabi Sarr to miss when a goal would have won it for Charlton.
That still left work to do for Rowe, but at the vital moment he drove his fierce shot just the wrong side of the post to the delight of Charlton and the home fans.
