Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough (2-1 aggregate): Late drama at St Mary’s saw Southampton secure a place at Wembley with a Shay Charles goal enough to oust Middlesbrough.
Shay Charles scores to seal Southampton’s place at Wembley (Image: Getty Images)
Southampton and Hull City have qualified for the Championship play-off final and will face off for a place in the Premier League. The Tigers defeated Millwall on Monday to become the first team to reach the final.
The Saints followed, winning a tense game at St. Mary’s Church. It was Middlesbrough who got off to a dream start at St Mary’s in the aftermath of the ‘spy’ drama between the two teams.
Riley McGree forced it home with the help of a deflection. Ross Stewart’s goal in first-half stoppage time brought the tie back level in the final 45 minutes.
It took extra time to decide the winner, with Shay Charles’ cross heading into the Southampton goal. Southampton face Hull later this month and will earn the prize for finishing top of the table.
Despite glimpses of Middlesbrough’s preparations, Southampton did not see the Teessiders’ fast start coming. Callum Brittain trotted down the right flank to pick up Magley, who, with the help of a deflection, slotted home.
read more: Angry Southampton and Middlesbrough managers separated in angry clashread more: Angry Southampton and Middlesbrough managers separated in angry clash
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Given the buildup, it was no surprise that a flashpoint arrived shortly thereafter. Luke Ayling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis clashed, with the Southampton man reportedly making a “discriminatory comment”. As a result, both managers were involved in a brief scuffle on the touchline.
Tonda Eckert left her seat again just before the end of the first half. Ryan Manning’s powerful shot from a free kick was deflected away, but the ball was deflected back by Stewart from close range.
Cyle Larin had a great chance to seal victory for Saints in the closing stages, but his effort was stopped by Sol Bryn. The Boro keeper then lived to thwart Sam Edsey’s extra-time effort.
But Southampton had one last chance. With both teams tired, Shay Charles sent in a cross that missed no one and found its way into the far corner of the Middlesbrough goal.
Riley Magley dominates Middlesbrough in the early stages (Image: Getty Images)
And although it was Southampton who decided to advance to the final, it looks like they still have some momentum in this match. It was suggested before kick-off that Southampton could be stripped of their draw and even face a point deduction for next season if they are found guilty of spying. The EFL Disciplinary Committee is expected to make a decision soon.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the Championship play-off final against Wembley. Hull await the Saints, with the Tigers securing a spot at Wembley with an impressive win at The Den.
Mohamed Belloumi put Hull up front, with fellow substitute Joe Gerhardt also scoring in the closing stages.
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