U23 Report: Blackburn 2-2 Saints

Rovers took the lead midway through the first half, Ben Paton unleashing an outstanding strike from range which left Saints keeper Jack Bycroft with no chance.

Following the break Dave Horseman’s side responded; Kazeem Olaigbe squaring a ball which reached Will Ferry at the back post, who fired home an equaliser after 64 minutes.

Three minutes later Dan N’Lundulu gave Saints the lead, coverting Pascal Kpomomouh’s rebounded effort to make it 2-1.

But Southampton were denied all three points with five minutes to go, as Jack Vale converted from the spot.

Saints started the game with real intent; pressing their PL2 opponents and looking to break away with pace when the opportunities opened up.

N’Lundulu and Hansen both found pockets of space during the early stages with Blackburn pegged back.

The hosts did however have the first real chance of the game as Luke Brennan rocketed the post just shy of the 15-minute mark.

As the half wore on the pattern of the game rarely changed; Ferry hit an effort just wide of the far post after cutting in from the left flank, whilst Rovers still looked dangerous on the counter.

Saints’ pressing game proved difficult for Blackburn to break down and in the 31st minute it took a moment of brilliance for the opener.

Rovers’ Paton picked up the ball just inside the Saints half, running with it before hitting an ambitious effort which found Bycroft’s top corner.

Saints started the second half just as they did the first; storming out of the blocks and putting Rovers on the back foot.

Hansen again involved just after the break, working Blackburn keeper Joe Hilton with a fierce effort after tucking in from the left flank.

Ferry then had an opportunity five minutes later, whipping in a dangerous cross from the left wing which N’Lundulu was inches away from meeting through the middle.

Hansen again looked lively breaking through the middle of the park, but his eventual shot was well blocked after a mazy run.

Soon Saints got their reward, after 64 minutes a mazy run from Olaigbe was dummied by N’Lundulu in the box before meeting Ferry at the back post.

The winger took his time before lashing an effort into the top corner to give the visitors a deserved equalier.

It only took three minutes for Horseman’s side to grab a second, Pascal Kpohomouh hitting an effort from a tight angle which Hilton could only palm into the path of N’Lundulu.

The Saints striker made no mistake, chipping the goalkeeper and giving the visitors the lead with twenty minutes to go.

Rovers pushed forward in numbers following Saints’ second, but the visitors’ defence continued to stand strong.

Many felt Bycroft made a vital save after 85 minutes to deny Blackburn once again, only for referee Perter Gibbons to point to the spot.

Jack Vale stepped up and made no mistake in what was a tough goal to take for Southampton’s youngsters after a spirited second half performance.

The remainder of the game was contested in midfield, with both sides understandly eager to grab a winner.

But it was to no avail as the points were shared, meaning Saints now turn their attentions to the Hampshire Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday; hosting Havant & Waterlooville at AFC Totton’s Snows Stadium.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  56

  44
• Shots
  15

  19
• Shots on target
  7

  9
• Corners
  4

  7
• Passes Complete
  351

  279