B Team Preview: Saints vs Burnley
Southampton’s B team make their first St Mary's Stadium appearance of the season this Sunday, as they host Burnley in Premier League 2.
Saints vs Burnley
Premier League 2
St Mary’s Stadium
Sunday 19th September, 2pm BST
It’s a return to Premier League 2 action for Southampton B on Sunday, following a brave performance at League Two side Leyton Orient in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night.
Four first-year scholars were involved during the week – Kamari Doyle, Joshua Lett, Lewis Payne and Dom Ballard – in a game where Saints pushed their hosts all the way before conceding the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute.
Head coach Dave Horseman will be hoping his side can bring the positives from Tuesday night into this weekend’s PL2 fixture, where they are still looking for their first win of the season.
Burnley face a similar challenge on Sunday, looking to grab their first win of the season after also accumulating three defeats and a draw.
That point for the Clarets came at home last-time-out; a Max Thompson 76th minute penalty for the hosts cancelled out just three minutes later by Wolves’ Luke Cundle.
After a difficult start to the new campaign, Horseman is keen for the Saints fans to provide that vital lift to his side this weekend.
“They can play their part in a huge chance to add development to these boys,” said the B team head coach. “The more we can get down to support the players and push them forward, that can play a huge part in their development and in creating the next Southampton player.”
Please note all tickets have now been claimed, there will be no tickets available at the ground.
Turnstiles at St Mary’s will open from 1pm (BST) with fans to be sat in the Itchen South stand across blocks 9-11.
Supporters can grab refreshments inside the concourse in the Itchen South stand.
A reminder no tickets will be available at the ground so all supporters must claim these in advance before arrival on Sunday.
Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis from 1pm in the North car park of the stadium. When this is full, alternative parking will be need to be used.
For more information please refer to the article below:
MANAGER’S NOTES
“For the real young ones there was so much learning that took place,” said Horseman following the defeat at Leyton Orient. “I thought they equipped themselves really well.
“Changing the rhythm of the game is one of the hardest things, second half Orient matched us and we still did the same things so the pressure built.
"It's about learning the feel of the game. I think you get that in these sort of games. There's a lot of learning especially for the younger lads here.
"First half we won headers, showed character in that respect. But in the second half we were found wanting if I'm being honest.
“It will be two teams that will be very similar to their first teams on Sunday. We have a very strong way of playing and we won’t move away from that and they’re [Burnley] the same.
“I know they drew with Wolves the other day at Turf Moor which is a good result as Wolves are very good this year.
“It will be great to have the fan’s down who can support the boys, help their development. Hopefully we can put on a bit of a show.”