The semi-final appeared to be limping meekly towards a penalty shoot-out.
But Pompey's Leasing.com Trophy clash with Exeter at Fratton Park suddenly burst into life in the closing stages.
Twice the visitors led and twice they were pegged back, with Marcus Harness levelling first and Cameron McGeehan doing the same in stoppage-time.
And there was still time remaining for one more piece of drama, as John Marquis nodded home to send the Blues to Wembley.
You can relive that incredible period of play on the south coast by watching the conclusion in full below.