Shea Charles celebrates his goal for SouthamptonGetty Images

Earlier this season, Shea Charles (left) scored Southampton's FA Cup quarter-final winner against Premier League leaders Arsenal

Dan George
BBC Sport England at St Mary's

Southampton beat Middlesbrough in extra time at St Mary's to book their spot in the Championship play-off final against Hull City on 23 May.

A dramatic semi-final tie - the build-up to which was dominated by spying allegations against Saints - was settled in the 116th minute of the second leg when Shea Charles' cross from the right wing crept in at the far post.

After a goalless first leg, Riley McGree fired visitors Middlesbrough into an early lead, shooting first time from a central position in the box into the bottom corner.

Ross Stewart equalised for Saints just before the end of the first half, rising highest from close range to nod the ball over the line.

Saints will face the Tigers at Wembley for the chance to win promotion to the Premier League alongside Coventry and Ipswich.

Earlier on Tuesday, a statement from Southampton confirmed they had requested more time to conduct an internal review after they were charged with spying on Boro by the English Football League.

Tensions between the sides were evident throughout and spilled over just before half-time when Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Boro defender Luke Ayling were seen exchanging words. Both managers were then spoken to by referee Andy Madley.

After walking out to a hostile atmosphere at St Mary's, Middlesbrough got off to a fast start and this time capitalised on some early pressure to open the scoring - something they had failed to do in Saturday's first leg.

Callum Brittain zipped a low pass from the right to McGree, who guided the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Stewart almost equalised with a volley that flew off target but the striker managed to get his side back into the game just before the interval, heading home from close range after Ryan Manning lifted the ball to the back post.

The sides could not be separated after 90 minutes and Saints looked the fresher team through the majority of extra time, finding the decisive goal just four minutes before the end.

Charles swung what looked like a cross into the box and it missed a crowd of defenders, running all the way through and into the back of the net at the far post.

Boro pushed late on, even sending goalkeeper Sol Brynn up for some set pieces, but were unable to breach the Southampton back line, who wildly celebrated at full-time when their place at Wembley was confirmed.

Saints back at Wembley two years after promotion

Southampton will return to Wembley for the Championship play-off final two years after winning promotion to the Premier League via that route.

In the 2023-24 season under Russell Martin, the Saints beat West Bromwich Albion over two legs in their semi-final before going on to beat Leeds United in the final.

The backdrop of the spying charges added an extra edge over the two games against Boro, but also brings doubt as to what potential punishment Southampton may face if found guilty by an independent disciplinary commission.

Away from that, Saints have ended the season as one of the form sides in the division.

After going unbeaten in their final 19 league games to finish fourth, victory over two legs against Boro means they will return to the national stadium for the second time this campaign. In April, they were beaten by Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final.

Tonda Eckert has his players playing some brilliant football - some of the best that Saints have produced in recent years.

Hull await at Wembley in less than two weeks, with a chance to return to the promised land of the Premier League at stake.

Boro fall agonisingly short

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg consoles one of his playersPA Media

Kim Hellberg became Middlesbrough boss in November, following Rob Edwards' departure to Wolves

Despite a spirited performance in the first leg and a quick start to the second leg, Middlesbrough will remain a Championship side next season, falling agonisingly short in the closing minutes on Tuesday.

Kim Hellberg's side stunned the boisterous home support when they took the lead so early on, dominating the early stages with direct attacking play and pace out wide.

They started well but Southampton ended up growing into the game and the longer it went on, the better they became.

Both sides looked tired in extra time but the home team took the upper hand, dominating most of the ball and ultimately netting the winner.

There is no doubt that noise around the spying charges will rumble on in the coming days before a verdict on the charges against Saints is found but, for now, the win belongs to Eckert's side.

Saints had to 'dig deep' - Eckert

Tonda Eckert: 'Credit to the players for digging so deep'

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert speaking to BBC Radio Solent:

"The crowd was fantastic, it was a very special atmosphere when we came to the stadium.

"Today we had to dig very deep and credit to the players for doing that over 120 minutes, I think over both legs it was very well deserved.

"I just said to the boys that we are not finished yet, you can be happy about the result but there is more to do.

"Credit to Shea (Charles), he's one of the players I speak to the most and there's a transition from being a talent to a senior professional and he's gone the very best way of maturing."

Eckert was also asked for the latest on the EFL charge over spying on Middlesbrough.

"We've managed well to not let this distract the team but we take the matter very seriously.

"It's not easy for me but the club has made another statement and since it is an ongoing investigation there is not more to add, I will say something just not now."

'One of the toughest days in my career' - Hellberg

Hellberg: 'feeling empty' following Boro play-off heartbreak

Middlesbrough FC head coach Kim Hellberg speaking to BBC Radio Tees.

"It feels tough, over two legs we did unbelievably and were so dominant in the first leg.

"We had to fight for the last half an hour, we had chances on the transition but we didn't get much out of them.

"It's a cross for the goal that goes in, there's emotions everywhere from this, I have every emotion and feeling that is possible to have in my body at this time.

"This is one of the toughest days in my career as a football coach, I feel for everyone around the club and I wish I could have done more.

"I'm unbelievably proud of everyone, for everything that happened through the season and they have played football that I am proud to watch.

"I have a lot of love for the players, how they fight and what they have done."

Player of the match

S. Charles
7.07
24 S. Charles
7.07
11 R. Stewart
7.01
3 R. Manning
6.85
20 C. Jander
6.77
13 Léo Scienza
6.55
6 T. Harwood-Bellis
6.52
10 F. Azaz
6.51
14 J. Bree
6.45
41 D. Peretz
6.45
15 N. Wood-Gordon
6.22
9 C. Larin
6.16
34 Welington
6.14
4 F. Downes
6.14
48 C. Bragg
6.10
27 K. Matsuki
6.06
23 S. Edozie
6.00
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