U18 Report: Leicester 2-1 Saints
Southampton Under-18s were beaten 2-1 by Leicester City in the Under-18 Premier League on Wednesday lunchtime.
A double for Leicester’s Bismark Owusu gave the Foxes the win in a closely fought match.
Harry Sutherington’s own goal before half-time put Saints level after Owusu’s opener, but the Leicester forward’s second put the hosts into an ultimately unassailable lead.
Korban McMullan fired wide and hit the post in a brave second-half display, but Andrew Surman’s side couldn’t find an equaliser.
Saints started the game as the more dominant side and registered the contest’s first notable shot when Leicester failed to clear a free kick, allowing the ball to fall at Lewis Day’s feet. Still, goalkeeper Freddie Marson comfortably caught the defender’s curled effort.
Minutes later, Saints flooded forward again, and Jude Daniels played in McMullan, who turned and fired a shot at goal, which was cleared off the line by Leicester’s Maxwell Adedeji.
Against the run of play, Leicester emphatically opened the scoring with a brilliant solo goal as Owusu raced through the midfield before planting a thunderous strike into the bottom corner.
Saints responded before half-time though, as McMullan whipped in a menacing free kick into the box that was inadvertently directed into his own net by Sutherington from close range to ensure the sides went in level at the break.
Korban McMullan was a constant threat, as his free-kick forced Saints' equaliser. (Photos: Craig Hobbs)
Surman’s team started the second half well as Marley Parry cut inside, danced through a couple of challenges and threaded a ball to McMullan, who slammed a one-on-one attempt wide of the near post.
Archie Lovatt also tested his luck, arrowing a powerful long-range effort towards the top corner, but this was magnificently stopped by Marson.
Despite the Saints pressure, Leicester regained the advantage in the 52nd minute when Owusu netted his second of the game as he pounced on a rebound from inside the six-yard box.
The away side didn’t give up, and McMullan was agonisingly close to swiftly finding an equaliser, but his drilled half-volley cannoned off the post.
With the game stretched in the closing stages, space on the counter opened up for both sides. However, on two occasions, Saints goalkeeper Hadley Clark produced excellent saves to deny Luqman Aideed and Harry Jacklin.
Saints' youngsters probed and tested the Leicester defence in the final moments, but they couldn’t manufacture a big chance as the Foxes clung on to claim the victory.
Andrew Surman's side are back in action on Saturday 4th April 2026, when they host Ipswich Town at Staplewood.
Leicester: Marson, Sutherington, Daniels, Manyumba, Adedeji, Diallo, Aideed, Lawrence, Fletcher, Corden, Owusu.
Subs: Simons, Stretton, Anugo, Jacklin, Dignum.
Goals: Owusu (15', 52').
Saints: Clark, Adjei-Afriyie, Day, Anderson, Robinson, Lovatt, Parry, Sainsbury, Daniels, Bailey, McMullan.
Subs: Hawe, Newman, Rodda, Duffy, Lemon.
Goals: Sutherington (41' OG)
