Southampton struck late in extra-time to see off the challenge of Middlesbrough and book a play-off final place against Hull City at Wembley for a chance of a Premier League return.
Shea Charles’ cross snuck in to seal a 2-1 win and cap a remarkable turnaround in form for the Saints after an awful start to the season.
Saints were 18 points behind Boro as recently as February but have ended the season brilliantly as they chase an immediate return to the top flight.
After a goalless first leg at the weekend, Middlesbrough struck first when Riley McGree found loads of space inside the area to smartly tuck home Callum Brittain’s low cross – a first goal in seven play-off matches for Boro.
Southampton were rocking but created a great chance for Ross Stewart, but on the stretch he steered a volley wide from a wonderful cross in by Ryan Manning.
The game swung from end to end in an open and entertaining firt half and Saints drew level in added time. Manning’s volley was saved by Sol Brynn and Stewart did brilliantly to climb and flick a header across goal and in.
The second half was much more one-way traffic as the home side piled on pressure. Manning saw a shot deflect into the side-netting and substitute Cyle Larin was denied by a fine save from Brynn late on.
With no further breakthrough the tie went to extra time, with Brynn again saving well from Samuel Edozie.
Both sets of players looked exhausted as the spectre of penalties loomed large.
But Charles, wide on the right, flung in a dangerous ball that Brynn and Dael Fry left to each other and the ball flew in.
It has been nearly 10 years since Boro played in the Premier League and they will be smarting from the “Spygate 2.0” scandal.
Middlesbrough officials allegedly caught a Southampton staff member covertly filming their training session just 48 hours before the semi-final first leg.
Boro staff reportedly spotted the individual, identified as a Saints analyst, observing from a public area overlooking their Rockliffe Park base.
