Southampton secure Wembley clash with Hull after tight victory over Middlesbrough

Southamptons path to the final has faced controversy from the outset of the playoffs following accusations that the Saints spied on a Middlesbrough training session.

The probe remains underway, find details on SpyGate here.

The fixture started at a high tempo with Middlesbrough taking an early lead as Riley McGree slotted in a low delivery from Callum Brittain following a surging move along the right side.

Southampton hit back effectively, as Ryan Manning and Ross Stewart came near to scoring, though Stewart squandered a straightforward opportunity before an incident unfolded when Stewart was tugged in the penalty area by Brittain, yet claims for a spot kick were dismissed.

The build up paid off during added time in the opening half, when Mannings volley off a Leo Scienza set piece was pushed away by Sol Brynn, allowing Stewart to head home the follow up and equalise.

In the latter period, Southampton controlled the ball yet found it hard to fashion genuine chances, with Brynn thwarting them once more before Manning fired a loose ball just off target after it ricocheted from Luke Ayling.

As time elapsed, fatigue set in for both teams in a match that extended into extra time.

During the overtime, Samuel Edozie was stopped by a fine stop from Brynn as a shootout approached, yet Southampton prevailed when Shea Charles long range effort curled past all and into the net to clinch the result.

Hull advanced to the playoff decider with a 2,0 success at Millwall on Monday night, after their semi final opener ended goalless.

Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt struck to send the Tigers to Wembley in a surprising turnaround, coming shortly after a transfer ban and their narrow escape on the final day of the 2024,25 Championship.

The Championship showdown is scheduled for Saturday, 23rd May, with the victors earning promotion alongside Coventry and Ipswich to the Premier League.