Patrick Roberts scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to put the Black Cats 2-1 ahead on aggregate.
It came after Wednesday striker Lee Gregory levelled the score, and the match looked set to go to extra-time before Roberts’ late finish.
Sunderland will now face Wycombe Wanderers in the final at Wembley Stadium later this month.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at Hillsborough:
9. Alex Pritchard - 7
Little chance to really show his quality on the ball but produced a streetwise performance to relieve pressure on his team-mates throughout. 7 Photo: JPI Media
10. Jack Clarke - 9
Simply outstanding. Dug in for Dennis Cirkin all night and kept providing an outlet when Sunderlan did get on the ball. Got his reward when he found one more surge late on, crossing the ball for Roberts. A coming-of-age Sunderland performance. 9 Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022
11. Ross Stewart - 8
Scrapped from minute one and led the line superbly, with little to feed off on a tough night. 8 Photo: JPI Media
