Decisive figure from midfield seals extra-time triumph for Southampton | OneFootball

Shea Charles won it in the 26th minute of extra time with a left-footed drive from distance, as Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1. The midfielder's intervention capped a tireless display in the semi-final second leg.

Early on, the Northern Ireland international set the tone for Saints, snapping into duels and testing from outside the box as his effort was blocked before the interval.

After the restart, he kept The Saints on the front foot, repeatedly advancing play into the final third and drawing Boro deeper as further attempts from range were charged down.

The decisive moment arrived in the 26th minute of extra time, when Charles took Taylor Harwood-Bellis's pass and swept a low strike into the bottom left corner from long range.

He finished with three attempts, seven times winning possession, three tackles won and four clearances. Add 43 of 50 passes completed, including 14 into the final third, and it was a balanced, controlling performance from midfield.