Southampton reach the Championship play-off final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 in a tense second-leg tie at St Mary’s, winning 2-1 on aggregate. The match is described as fiery and physical, with both sides creating moments but Southampton finding the decisive breakthrough after extra-time. Shea Charles scores the winner in extra time, with reports describing the goal as fortuitous, and it proves enough to send Southampton to Wembley. With the aggregate score level before the final outcome, Middlesbrough push hard throughout the game, and the contest remains contentious. One account links the tie to the ongoing “spygate” saga, suggesting the wider off-field background continues alongside the on-field contest. Independent reporting notes Southampton are now one win away from promotion to the Premier League. The Mirror and Independent both frame the result as dramatic late action, with Southampton’s late goal separating the two sides and securing their place in the final.