The young midfielder hauled the Yorkshiremen back into the tie early in the first period and with the clock ticking down towards extra-time fired a decisive second goal into the bottom corner from 15 yards.

Howson's double completed a surprise turnaround for Gary McAllister's side, who had been outplayed in the first leg at Elland Road to trail 2-1 on aggregate ahead of tonight's return.

Leeds now head back for their second play-off final in two years and a chance to erase the memory of their defeat to Watford at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.

The visitors were on target at the end of their first attack to level the tie in the 10th minute. Howson sent Dougie Freedman scampering down the left and raced into the area to latch on to the on-loan Crystal Palace striker's cross and fire home from close range.

After the break Neil Kilkenny, Howson and David Prutton combined in the box, but the latter's shot was blocked, while Marc Bridge-Wilkinson flashed a volley just wide.

Leeds then began to pen in their hosts for long periods. Keiren Westwood flung himself low to his right to turn away Freedman's 25-yard shot and Bradley Johnson's thumping header hit the outside of the post.

Leeds looked the more composed as full-time beckoned and Jonathan Douglas' deflected shot arced over the crossbar as the tie headed towards extra time.

Then with one minute of time added on to play Howson snatched victory for McAllister's side.

The ball broke to the young midfielder on the edge of the area and the 20-year-old drilled a slightly scuffed effort into Westwood's bottom left-hand corner.