U21 Report: Saints 1-0 Brighton

Tommy Dobson-Ventura proved the match-winner, with his 20th minute strike from close range securing his side their win.

Saints had the first opening of the game when a neat move saw both Romeo Akachukwu and Sutura Kakay denied at close range by visiting goalkeeper Sebastian Jensen.

A strong start to the game from the hosts soon paid off though and they took the lead through Tommy Dobson-Ventura when a cross was flicked on to the defender and he turned home from near the six-yard line.

Adam Lallana’s side then almost doubled their lead just before the half hour mark when a powerful run from Will Merry saw him surge past multiple challenges and set up Sutura Kakay on the left, but the winger’s shot flew well over.

It took until five minutes before half time for Brighton to force their first save from Dylan Moody, but it was a comfortable one as Nehemiah Oriola curled a free kick straight into the Saints goalkeeper’s arms.

Into the second half, Saints could have found a second goal of the game before the hour mark when a low ball into the penalty area found Nick Oyekunle at the front post but his effort was well blocked by a Brighton body.

Brighton put Saints under pressure for a spell in the second half, although chances were at a premium for both sides in a tight conclusion to the contest.

Sutura Kakay could have confirmed the Saints win when he sped into the box and looked to shoot but his effort was blocked by a last-ditch Brighton challenge.

Saints were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Brandon Charles was sent off for a late challenge, but Saints held onto their advantage until the final whistle to claim their first three points off 2026.

Saints are next in action on Thursday 22nd January when they host PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup, with kick off at the Silverlake Stadium set for 7pm.

Saints: Moody, Adjei-Afriyie (Tabares 59), Dobson-Ventura, Sesay (Okunola 90+3), Akachukwu, Oyekunle, Dibaga, Merry (Charles 59), O'Brien-Whitmarsh, Kayi Sanda, Kakay.

Subs not used: Rohart-Brown.

Goals: Dobson-Ventura 20'

Yellow cards: O'Brien-Whitmarsh, Kayi Sanda, Kakay.

Red cards: Charles.

Brighton: Jensen, Barclay (Mackley 45), Keogh, Simmonds, Atom, Knight, Oriola, Middleton, Brett (Belmont 63), Nti (West 71), Shaw (Silsby 63)

Subs not used: Dike.

Yellow cards: Middleton, Knight.

Referee: Jason Richardson