It is often said that they are some of the most exciting and nerve wracking games in the footballing calendar, and more often than not, the play-off final lives up to that billing.

Many times we have seen the finals end in 1-0 wins, with both sides looking nervous and not wanting to concede. Crystal Palace and Burnley are both fine examples of grinding out a 1-0 win in the play-off final.

However, over the years, we have had the odd final which has been nothing short of breathtaking, engrossing even the most neutral of fans to sit right on the edge of their seats.

Penalties, last minute winners, goals galore, the play-off finals have had it all over time.

Some clubs love the play offs, and are successful, others, like Preston and Sheffield United, dread them due to their shocking records.

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE TOP 5 PLAY-OFF FINALS!

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Man City 2 - 2 Gillingham

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What a game this was. Fondly remembered for Nicky Weaver being the hero in goal and running off in mass celebration, it is easily one of the best play-off finals of all time.

City were losing 2-0 going into the final minutes, but a 90th minute goal from Kevin Horlock game them hope, before a 95th minute equaliser from Paul Dickov brought them right back into the tie.

Extra time panned out and went to penalties, where it was Weaver's turn to be the hero, as he saved two Gillingham penalties to send the City end into raptures.

It was a pivotal moment in the history of the club, and one fans now look back on fondly, despite all their riches recently.

 

Sunderland 4 - 4 Charlton Athletic

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A ridiculous game of football which literally had everything, including 8 goals and a hat trick from one Clive Mendonca.

Sunderland went into the game as favourites, but were made to work at Wembley, as Charlton put in an excellent performance over the 120 minutes.

Goals from Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips for Sunderland, and 2 for Mendonca along with 1 for Richard Rufus, sent the tie to extra time at 3-3.

Nicky Summerbee scored in the 99th minute, before Mendonca again equalised for the Addicks.

It came down to penalties, and after 13 successful spot kicks, it was left to full back Michael Gray to be the first to miss, as he saw his low effort saved to send Charlton to the Premier League.

Blackpool 3-2 Cardiff City

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Another goal filled game saw Cardiff City go down to a Charlie Adam inspired Blackpool team, as Ian Holloway guided the Tangerines to the Premier League for the very first time.

All five of the goals came in the first half, with Brett Ormerod's winner proving to be enough for Holloway's men in the end.

The Bluebirds simply could not find a way through in the second half, leaving the seaside club delighted that they had pulled off what seemed the impossible at the start of the season.

A crowd of over 82,000 filled Wembley that day, and the players delivered a final that will never be forgotten.

 

Reading 2 - 4 Swansea City

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Six goals on offer in this one, as Swansea City raced into a 3 goal through Scott Sinclair and Stephen Dobbie, only for Reading to peg them back through an own goal and then a Matt Mills header.

Sinclair would later seal his hat trick late on with a penalty, meaning the game would finish 4-2, but it was not without its drama.

Half time shenanigans in the tunnel meant Readings assistant manager and substitute Jay Tabb were both sent off by the referee.

It was the Swans though who prevailed, sealing their place in the top flight for the first time in the Welsh clubs history.

 

Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Sheffield United

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A game not filled with goals, but for sheer dramatics, goes in this list.

The game had played out as a 0-0 draw, with both clubs seemingly content for the tie to go to extra time, where they would go again for 30 minutes in the hope of nicking the winner.

However, midfielder David Hopkin had other ideas, as with literally the last kick of the game, he curled an absolute stunner into the top corner, leaving Simon Tracey rooted to the spot.

It was a fitting end to a game which had been so even, with a moment of magic enough to separate both teams. Heartbreak for Blades fans, but sheer adulation for Palace fans, who had suffered similar play off heartbreak the season before.

What is your favourite play off final memory? There are some which haven't made this list for sure! Let us know using the comments!