U18 Report: Saints 2-2 Brighton
Southampton Under-18s settled for a point and a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Under-18 Premier League on Saturday.
Two superb goals from Wyatt Comley saw Saints 2-0 ahead at half-time, whilst Brighton had Anton Palmer sent off.
However, the visitors fought back after the break to earn themselves a draw with goals from Jacob Parsons and Bode Newnham-Reeve.
Saints took the lead early on when a free kick delivery from Korban McMullan was cleared to Comley on the edge of the penalty area, who sent a fierce shot into the back of the net.
Andrew Surman's side were playing the best attacking football in the opening stages of the game, and Leo Umeh was unlucky not to double his side’s lead on 20 minutes when he advanced to the edge of the box and curled a shot narrowly wide.
The confidence that the hosts had gained from their start then saw them score again when a special set-piece routine paid off – McMullan’s floated delivery to the edge of the area fell for Comley to volley home his second of the contest.
Wyatt Comley celebrates scoring. (Photos: Craig Hobbs)
Saints were then given another boost when Brighton were reduced to 10 men following Palmer’s late challenge, with the referee showing a straight red card.
It took until the 38th minute for Brighton to register their first shot on goal, but Cale Richardson was equal to Jacob Parsons’ driven effort towards the far corner.
Into the second half, the visitors found a way back into the game on the hour mark when a low ball across the face of goal from Bailey Palmer was turned home at close range by Parsons.
However, Saints batted back and McMullan went close to scoring a special solo goal when he weaved his way past multiple challenges before seeing his poked effort saved at the near post.
Brighton had come out for the second period with nothing to lose though, and they duly found an equaliser when more good play from Bailey Palmer saw him drive a ball across goal for Bode Newnham-Reeve to score.
The visitors then ended the game strongly, forcing Richardson into two excellent saves to deny Henry Kasvosve and Newnham-Reeve again late on.
Saints are in action again on Saturday 7th March when they host Fulham in the Under-18 Premier League, with kick off at Staplewood set for 11am.
Saints: Richardson, Rodda, Vallance, Sewell, Goremusandu, McMullan (c), Comley (Daniels 58'), Little, Hawe, Bailey (Lovatt 63'), Umeh (Newman 45').
Subs not used: Moloney, Martin.
Goals: Comley (7', 31').
Brighton: Rutter, Morby (Outen 88'), Anah, Ademola, Ferdinand (c) (Alakiu 45'), Brennan, Newnham-Reeve, A. Palmer, Parsons (Oppng 89'), Cullinane (Lane 63'), B. Palmer (Kasvosve 81').
Goals: Parsons (60'), Newnham-Reeve (72').
Yellow cards: Ferdinand, A. Palmer.
Red cards: A. Palmer
