Oxford United will get the chance to regain their Football League place against York City at Wembley on May 16th after a 2-0 win over Rushden and Diamonds this afternoon. Second half goals from top scorers Matt Green and James Constable saw United through in front of  almost 12,000 happy fans at the Kassam Stadium.

In front of a near capacity crowd and in a magnificent atmosphere United roared forward from the first whistle and inside four minutes it took a brave block from Curtis Osano to deny Constable as he let fly from fifteen yards. Matt Green then drifted another effort across goal on eight after Constable's through ball and then the third of the strike trio, Jack Midson,  burst clear but couldn't find either of the other two with his ball across the box a minute later.

Rushden had proved very hard to break down in the three previous meetings this season and quietened the home crowd after the first hectic ten  minutes without really getting a sight of Ryan Clarke's goal. United were dominating possession and getting into great positions but couldn't quite find the final ball.

Dannie Bulman almost found the breakthrough on 39 with a shot from the edge of the area that Dale Roberts tipped away then Green flashed a header over on 42 from a great Chapman free kick so no shortage of chances for United but the whole season condensed into 45 minutes after a scoreless first half.

Former United man Jefferson Louis pulled the first save from Clarke on 51 with a low effort from the edge of the box although a Chapman free kick was going in on 52 until it hit Green's heel and flew to safety. It didn't take Green long to atone..

On 53 the ever industrious Simon Clist took control and played a one-two then passed with perfect precision for Green to beat the Rushden offside trap and race clear. Roberts came out but Green slipped the ball round him and then with the crowd already roaring he calmly planted the ball into the empty net. The roof came off and there were wild scenes of jubilation as players and fans celebrated together.

The party atmosphere was growing and on 59 the greatest scenes at the ground since a win over Swindon in 2003 began in earnest as Constable put The U's on the way to Wembley. Midson made it with a deft header and once again Rushden were paying the price for a high back line as Constable burst clear. Roberts did all he could but had no answer to Constable's thoughtful finish as the striker rolled the ball expertly into the left hand side of the net to make it 2-0.

Rushden sacrificed a defender to try and claw a way back from a seemingly impossible situation but in truth could have little argument about the result. Oxford had been the better team over both legs and fully deserved their day in the sun. Louis miskicked in front of goal with the visitors best chance and as the seconds ticked by so the Oxford smiles began to broaden.

Their long suffering fans deserve that day at Wembley more than most and will pack their end of the ground. The job is far from over though and after 44 league games and two hard fought  play-offs the hard work really begins now. Enjoy the celebrations  then let's see it through on May 16th.

Att: 11,963

Away: 1,109

Fifty/50 winning number: 100185

Report by Chris Williams