U18 Preview: Saints vs Reading
Southampton’s youngsters could be crowned Under-18 Premier League South champions on Wednesday as they host Reading at Staplewood.
THE MATCH
Saints vs Reading
Under-18s Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Wednesday 4th May, 11am BST
After a hugely impressive season with 18 wins already to their name, Carl Martin's side could earn Under-18 Premier League glory in a midweek showdown at Staplewood.
With a game in hand over second place West Ham and just two games left to play of the regular season, Saints could be crowned champions on Wednesday.
Since football restructured the youth system in 2012, this could be the first time Saints have won the competition in this iteration and only the second time in Saints history.
The visitors currently sit 11th in the league after falling to defeat to Saints at the weekend, but will be certain to put in a stellar performance on the south coast.
The 2020/21 season brought two energetic performances between the two sides, with Saints emerging victorious in both a seven and ten goal thriller.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The second part of a double-header with Reading, Saints will be looking to secure a win in similar vein to the one on Saturday.
It was Reading who found the upper-hand early on at Bearwood Park Training Ground, with Jeremiah Okine-Peters giving the hosts the lead after just 11 minutes.
It didn’t take long for the reds to strike back though, with Jimmy Jay Morgan drawing them level just five minutes later.
Emerging from the break with the scores still tied, it was time for Saints to turn up the heat with Diamond Edwards netting a brace before Luke Pearce and Sonnie Davis found the back of the net as Saints finished the match with a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
"It's obviously a really exciting game," admitteed Under 18 Individual Coach Mikey Harris. "It's an amazing opportunity for the boys to achieve something special.
"It's a big thing for them and if they can get the result that we all want it'll be a great reward to all of the people that have worked with the boys over the years.
"Carl and I have been the fortunate ones that get to deal with them at this age group but there will be numerous individuals who have played a part in their development and of course their families as well.
"We know what is at stake. We've gone game by game until this point and now we've just got to win one more game and I think it'll be a great reward for the boys, all the individuals that work with them through their journey and their families.
"Hopefully they can do what they've done consistently all season, perform really well and show the principles and the behaviours that they've adopted through the season and hopefully it'll be a really exciting day."
