U21 Report: Torquay 1-3 Saints
Southampton’s Under-21s were victorious in their penultimate pre-season friendly with a 3-1 win over Torquay United on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from Under-18s striker Princewill Ehibhatiomhan ensured a two-goal lead at the break, with Tyler Dibling sealing the victory after the hosts pulled a goal back.
Managed by Lee Skyrme, a youthful Saints side, which started with seven players aged 18 or younger, established dominance in possession early on against their National League South opponents.
Kamari Doyle and Lewis Payne had chances within the first five minutes before Ryan Finnigan had an effort cleared off the line to deny a sixth-minute opener.
The hosts found their footing as the half grew on and forced Josh McNamara into two strong saves as the game began to open up.
Saints’ new goalkeeper first denied Aaron Jarvis with an excellent lunging dive, and a moment later prevented Bradley Ash with a one-on-one stop.
Just after the half-hour mark, Torquay thought they had an opener when Ash headed home a dangerous Jack Stobbs cross but the referee ruled it out.
A minute later, Saints punished their hosts as Ehibhatiomhan found the back of the net with a smart turn and finish inside the penalty area.
One quickly became two as the 17-year-old, who impressed the home supporters throughout the game, added his second before the break.
The game remained open in the second half with Saints again having the first sights at goal - Ehibhatiomhan was twice denied his hat-trick by substitute goalkeeper Rhys Lovett.
In the 56th-minute, new signing Derrick Abu produced an audacious bicycle kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Torquay did pull a goal back on the hour mark through Ash, who headed in from close range following a recycled set-piece delivery.
Just as the hosts were starting to then the tide, however, Saints restored their two-goal advantage through Dibling.
Some trademark, tricky dribbling and control inside the area was followed by low drive into the back of the net.
The game's pace slowed in the closing stages as both sides managed their minutes ahead with their respective seasons approaching, as Saints closed out the afternoon with an impressive performance and result.
Torquay: Halstead, Lapslie, Hall, Jarvis, Collins, Ash, McGavin, Craske, Donnellan, Tomlinson, Stobbs.
Goals: Ash 60.
Saints: McNamara, Payne, Abu, Hewlett, Meghoma, Bragg, Dibling, Finnigan, Ballard, Doyle, Ehibhatiomhan.
Goals: Ehibhatiomhan 34 39, Dibling 67.
