B Team Preview: Reading vs Saints

By SFC Media time Sun 24 Oct Reading vs Saints
Photo by Isabelle Field | Kazeem Olaigbe

Southampton’s B team will look to carry on their momentum on Monday, visiting Reading in Premier League 2.

THE MATCH

Reading vs Saints
Premier League 2
Madejski Stadium
Monday 25th October, 7pm BST
Free entry for all fans

Dave Horseman’s side grabbed their first win of the season last Monday at Wolves, Kazeem Olaigbe’s early first half penalty enough to claim three points away from home.

It made it two league games unbeaten for Saints as they began to turn the tide in Premier League 2.

Reading travelled to league leaders Fulham on Friday last-time-out, suffering a 3-0 defeat at Motspur Park.

The Royals sit 11th in the league after defeat in London, whilst Saints have closed the gap on Sunderland to just one point after their win at Wolves.

A successive Saints win could see them rise as many as three places in the standings, whilst Reading could see themselves in sixth at the close of play.

TICKET DETAILS

Reading are offering free entry to Monday’s Premier League 2 game at Madjeski Stadium for home and away fans.

There is no need to claim your ticket beforehand, simply gain entry through the turnstiles.

Free unallocated parking with also be available at the ground for fans.


LAST MEETING

 

The two sides previously faced each other during the 2018/19 season, the last time Saints were in Premier League 2, Division 2.

 

Reading won the first meeting of the season 2-0 at the Madjeski in late September; goals from Danny Loader and Ben House securing the victory.

 

The Royals made it a league double over Saints with a further victory in the return leg at Staplewood Campus.

 

Despite Saints taking the lead just shy of the hour mark through Tyreke Johnson, Reading’s Joel Rollinson and Jordan Holsgrove turned the game on its head during the final half an hour.


SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Will Smallbone (right) during a PL2 U23s match where Reading FC play Southampton FC at Madjeski Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Reading, England. (Photo by James Bridle - Southampton FC/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Will Smallbone in action for Saints against Reading in 2018.

MANAGER’S NOTES

“They’re a good team,” said Horseman. “Our 18s played their 18s last year and it was a really good game.

“I spoke to the Wolves coach recently and he said Reading battered them a few weeks back, they said they were a real threat going forwards, real high energy.

“It’s a little weird as it’s following our first win but we could have won five or six games this season. Against Wolves we had those moments that mattered.

“When we put those together, there are some good teams in our league but, there’s no one we will fear.”

Related

Livramento scores in Burnley draw
chevron right
Video: Ballard on winning goal
Reading vs Saints

Video: Ballard on winning goal

Hear from young forward Dom Ballard after his winner at Reading.

timeWed 27 Oct
Video: Horseman on controlled win B Team Highlights: Reading 0-1 Saints
Women's Report: Saints 0-1 Bristol City
Saints vs Bristol City

Women's Report: Saints 0-1 Bristol City

Full report from Southampton FC Women's loss to Bristol City.

time1 hour ago
Listen live: Saints vs Bristol City Adams and Armstrong start in Scotland qualifying win