U18 Preview: Saints vs West Brom
Southampton’s youngsters host West Bromwich Albion in the Under-18 Premier League, with the possibility of going top of the table with victory at Staplewood.
Saints vs West Brom
Under-18 Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Saturday 19 February, 1pm GMT
Sitting at opposite ends of the Under-18 Premier League table, a lot is to be gained from both sides as they do battle at Staplewood on Saturday.
Claiming a 5-0 victory over Aston Villa last time out, Saints’ youngsters could move top of the table with victory over West Brom.
The visitors currently sit 11th, but could move as high as eighth with victory at Staplewood.
Suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss last time out in the league, Richard Stevens’ side will be looking to bounce back on the road.
LAST MEETING
Saints emerged 5-1 victors when they travelled to West Bromwich Albion Training Ground in October.
Four goals in the space of seven minutes saw Saints race to a dramatic half-time lead, with both Kamari Doyle and Dom Ballard notching braces before the break.
Ballard secured his third after the break, and while Mackenzie Lamb found himself on the scoresheet for the hosts it was too little too late and Carl Martin’s side secured all three points on the road.
MANAGER’S THOUGHTS
“We’re looking forward to the game,” confirmed Under-18 Individual Coach Mikey Harris. “We had a disappointing result in the Under-17s Premier League Cup on Wednesday.
“I thought we were excellent for the first half. Unfortunately we didn’t take our chances and we were punished by a very strong Tottenham side in the second half.
“It’s always good in football when you have a quick turnaround after a disappointing result like that. I’m sure the boys will be really looking to build on their form in the league that we’ve had throughout this season and continue the run we’re on.”
