West Ham are on their way to Cardiff in the play-offs once again after Southampton beat Coventry to seal second place in the Championship.
The Saints' 4-0 victory over Coventry City was enough to secure the runners-up spot behind Champions Reading - leaving West Ham, who beat Hull 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon in third place with 86 points.All fo which means that Sam Allardyce's side face a trip to Wales where Cardiff - who came from behind to win 2-1 at Crystal Palace today - await in the play-off semi finals.
With Wembley temporarily out of action, both of West Ham's previous appearances in play-off Finals - in 2004 against Crystal Palace and versus Preston North End 2005 - came in Cardiff.
And it is to South Wales where United will return again for the semi-final first leg after the Bluebirds secured sixth spot in the Championship.
Cardiff, who have lost just one of their 13 games since being beaten 2-0 at home by West Ham at the beginning of March have already tasted success in east London already this season, having won 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground on the opening day of the season.
Meeting either West Ham or Cardiff in the play-off final at Wembley on 19 May will be the winners of the second semi-final. Blackpool, who finished in fifth place host fourth-placed Birmingham in the first leg.
Full details of all dates and times as follows:
Play off semi final, first leg
Thursday, 3rd May 2012: Cardiff v West Ham Utd (7.45pm)
Friday, 4th May 2012: Blackpool v Birmingham City (7.45pm)
Play off semi final, second leg
Monday, 7th May 20122: West Ham Utd v Cardiff (4.30pm)
Wednesday, 9th May 20122: Birmingham City v Blackpool (7.45pm)
Play off Final
Saturday, 19th May 2012 (3:00pm)
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