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.
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