Southampton will play Middlesbrough in the Championship play off final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 at the St Mary’s Stadium.
The first leg at the weekend ended in a 0-0 draw in the north-east, so it was all to play for when the two sides met on the south coast on Tuesday night.
It wasn’t the best start for the home side as Middlesbrough took the lead after 5 minutes with Callum Brittain putting the hosts 1-0 up with a low strike into the bottom left corner.
Despite going down a goal, the Saints dominated much of the first half and got back into the game with a header from Ross Stewart after an initial shot from Ryan Manning was saved by Boro keeper from Sol Brynn.
Manning came close again in the 59th minute after he turned on the ball and fired, but his shot hit the side netting.
Southampton could have easily wrapped proceedings up in normal time, but Middlesbrough held the side to a 1-1 draw.
Extra time followed, and it was more of the same with the Saints clearly in the driving seat. However, it wasn’t till the 26th minute of play in this period for the hosts to finally grab the winner.
Taylor Harwood Bellis played the ball to Shea Charles. The Northern Irishman’s shot from range took Brynn by surprise as the ball bounced straight past the keeper and made it 2-1. The goal which has sent Southampton to Wembley. They play Hull City in the final on Saturday 23rd May.
The game has been overshadowed by Southampton allegedly spying on Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the first leg and are facing charges from the EFL
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of “disgraceful” behavior says it’s “sad” that the episode damaged the tie.