Saints are heading back to Wembley.
Episode 380 of the Total Saints Podcast looks back on a tense, dramatic and ultimately unforgettable night at St Mary’s, as Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time to book their place in the Championship play-off final against Hull City.
Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to reflect on the key moments from the semi-final second leg, including Ross Stewart’s crucial equaliser before half-time, Shea Charles’ late cross-shot winner, and the scenes in the Northam End when the ball finally found its way into the net.
The panel discuss Saints’ slow start, the tactical shape, Flynn Downes being left out of the starting XI, and the impact he made from the bench. There’s also praise for the team’s fitness and resilience, with Middlesbrough visibly tiring as the tie went deeper into extra time.
There’s plenty to unpack from a fiery evening too, including the Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Luke Ayling incident, the ball boy controversy, Andy Madley’s refereeing performance, and several penalty claims that could easily have changed the direction of the game.
The conversation also turns to the ongoing spying controversy between Southampton and Middlesbrough. With more reporting emerging, including the Daily Mail photo published this week, the panel discuss the possible implications, the way the story has been covered, and the uncomfortable uncertainty it has left hanging over what should be a week of pure excitement for Saints supporters.
There’s also a quick look at the Prediction League, with 78 entries, 68 backing a Saints win and 23 correctly calling the 2-1 scoreline.
We’ll be back on Sunday night at 7pm for a special pre-Wembley podcast ahead of the Championship play-off final against Hull City. Que sera, sera…
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