U18s Report: Southampton 2 City 1

Eddy Samba netted for the Foxes either side of Jake Hesketh and Josh Sims strikes for the Saints, who sealed the win late into the second 45 minutes.

The match opened with a relatively quiet first half, bereft of too many meaningful efforts – Southampton’s Sims having arguably the best of those when he burst into the area only to see his effort come back off the upright.

Despite losing goalkeeper Liam Sharpe to injury, City did threaten, and had youngster Brandon Fox been able to keep his effort below the crossbar after some brilliant work on the left, they might have had their lead.

The match continued in the same fashion until 20 minutes from time, when Saints hit man Hesketh finally broke the deadlock. Sims had won the ball inside the area, showing good composure to square to his team-mate to fire past substitute ‘keeper Josh Smith.

City’s response was swift, however, and just a minute later they found themselves back level after a superbly worked set piece.

The ball was swung in from the corner, and knocked down into the path of a grateful Samba, who made no mistake in hammering a half volley into the top corner for 1-1.

Trevor Peake’s Foxes continued to press, but it was from another set piece that they were punished for the winner. Quickly taken, a free kick was fired straight into the path of Sims inside the area, who was able to turn and place his effort into the far corner.

Again City tried to respond though, but this time Samba’s stunning 30-yard effort skimmed the top of the crossbar with five minutes remaining on the clock, meaning Saints were able to hold on for the victory.

Southampton: White, Leggett, Targett, Mason, McCarthy (Higgins 24), Debayo, Demkiv (Irvine 59), Flannigan, Barnes (Nehemie 77), Hesketh, Sims

Subs not used: Isted, Clinton

City: Sharpe (Smith 27), King, Chilwell, Jones, Pepe-Ngoma, Dineen, Bailey, Samba, Stankivicius, Rowe, Fox (Downes 64)

Subs not used: Casey, Moore, Dusabe