Southampton booked their place in the Championship play-off final after edging Middlesbrough in extra time at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Saints will now face Hull City at Wembley on 23 May, with a place in the Premier League at stake.
The semi-final encounter was filled with drama both on and off the pitch, following allegations of spying involving Southampton in the build-up to the game.
After the first leg ended goalless, Middlesbrough struck early in the return fixture through Riley McGree, who fired a first-time effort into the bottom corner from a central position inside the box.
Southampton responded before the break as Ross Stewart rose highest in the area to head home from close range and level the contest.
With both sides unable to find a winner in normal time, the tie went into extra time where Southampton eventually found the decisive moment.
In the 116th minute, Shea Charles delivered a cross from the right wing that somehow crept in at the far post, sealing Saints’ victory and sending them into the play-off final against the Tigers.
