U18 Preview: Saints vs West Brom
It’s the penultimate home game of the season for Southampton’s youngsters on Saturday, with the visit of West Bromwich Albion to Staplewood Campus.
Saints vs West Bromwich Albion
Under-18 Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Saturday 24th April, 1pm BST
Saturday’s return to Staplewood Campus provides an ideal opportunity for Saints to bounce back after they suffered a defeat to Norwich City last-time-out.
The Canaries went 2-0 up within the first ten minutes through a Will Tizzard own goal and Ken Aboh’s seventh minute strike.
There was a third added in first-half stoppage time through Oscar Thorn, before the scoring was completed in the second half by Alex Matos and Joe Duffy.
West Brom were last in action on Tuesday night in a game which was nothing short of drama.
There were three goals within the opening ten minutes as Aston Villa came from behind to lead after Aurio Teixeira’s fifth minute opener for the Baggies.
The game ended 6-4 in favour of the hosts Villa, who were also reduced to ten men in the 51st minute after Filip Marshall’s dismissal.
Jamie Andrews and Rico Richards’ double completed the scoring for West Brom, who will look to bounce back when they visit the south coast this weekend.
Three points for Saints would seem them draw level with Leicester City having played a game more, whilst the Baggies could go a point behind Norwich with a win.
Saints and West Brom last met during December, where Southampton’s youngsters suffered defeat at the West Bromwich Albion Training Ground.
The first half was a closely fought encounter; Mo Faal taking the lead just shy of the break following an even 45 minutes.
Jayden Smith equalised for the Saints on 55 mintues, a goal which warranted their play since the first whistle.
As both sides searched for the all-important next goal, up stepped midfielder Jovan Malcom for the hosts 20 minutes from time.
He scored his first and the game’s third goal on 70 minutes, before sealing maximum points seven minutes later.
