Southampton reach Championship play-off final after extra-time win over Middlesbrough

LONDON: Southampton came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time on Tuesday and secure a place in the Championship play-off final.

Shea Charles proved decisive for the south coast club, scoring in the 116th minute when his curling delivery from the right went through a couple of defenders and ended up in the net after coming off the inside of the post.

Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are now due to meet Hull in the final after Hull defeated Millwall 2-0 on Monday. The winners will join Coventry and Ipswich in the Premier League.

The match came amid an ongoing controversy involving Southampton. The English Football League charged the club after receiving a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of Saturday's goalless first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

Southampton are currently on a 20-match unbeaten run in the Championship. If Tuesday's result remains in place, they will advance to their second appearance at Wembley this season after losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final last month.

Managers react after tense contest

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert described the game as a high-quality contest after the final whistle.

A big advert for the Championship, an outstanding game.

Eckert told Sky Sports.

Asked about the possibility of Southampton being removed from the play-off final because of the EFL investigation, he said:

We've had this topic the last game as well. There is an ongoing investigation and the club has made a statement.

We will do everything we can to prepare for the game coming up.

After the first leg, Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg had accused Southampton of attempting to cheat. Following Tuesday's defeat, however, he did not commit himself on whether his side might yet receive a reprieve.

We had a plan if we won the game and now we haven't so now I'm disappointed,

Congratulations to the players and the supporters of Southampton for the winner.

Hellberg also said he was proud.

Early Middlesbrough lead and late Southampton response

Middlesbrough went ahead in the fifth minute at St Mary's when Riley McGree fired a low shot beyond Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

The game was marked by rising tensions. Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling accused Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis of using discriminatory language. Near the end of the first half, Hellberg and Eckert had to be physically separated while referee Andy Madley spoke to them on the touchline.

Southampton, who finished fourth in the table while Middlesbrough ended the season in fifth, levelled in stoppage time at the end of normal time. Ross Stewart headed in the rebound after Ryan Manning's effort was pushed up into the air by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn.

Brynn then denied Southampton substitute Cyle Larin in added time after the end of 90 minutes, but Charles eventually settled the tie late in extra time.