Regis Le Bris admits he went on a rollercoaster of emotion through the second leg before Sunderland's last-gasp goal against Coventry ensured their passage to Wembley.
Dan Ballard headed home off the underside of the crossbar with virtually the final touch of extra time to ensure a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-2 victory on aggregate to book a date with Sheffield United on 24 May in the Championship play-off final.
"The end was absolutely fantastic," the Black Cats boss told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I think the emotion is brilliant. The first 90 minutes I was frustrated – I thought it was possible for us to play better.