Southampton got off to the best possible start in this year’s Junior Section with a fine 3-0 victory over Zacatepec of Mexico. The English Premier League side were on the front foot from the word go, with Jonathan Afalabi testing the goalkeeper with an early volley. The opening goal came after just ten minutes, when the impressive Jake Vokins went on a mazy run which caused confusion in the Zacatepec box. The ball was eventually cleared but only as far as Dan Bartlett, who struck his shot cleanly past the goalkeeper.
It was all pressure from the Saints in the early stages, and shortly after Vokins found space again but shot wide from just outside the box. There was a rare chance for Zacatepec when Emanuel found himself with time and space, but his shot didn’t challenge Jack Bycroft in the Southampton goal.
The second goal deservedly came after 20 minutes when Vokins held off the challenge of several defenders and fired a shot that Zacatepec’s Emmanuel managed to get a palm to, but the goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the ball finding the back of the net. The Mexicans had a short spell of pressure before the half-time whistle but it remained 2-0 at the break.
In ever deteriorating conditions in Coleraine, the second half was largely uneventful until an unfortunate injury to Southampton’s Bycroft following a collision in the box. The Southampton goalkeeper was stretchered off after a long delay which we hope won’t result in a lengthy injury spell. Following the resumption of play, Southampton killed off the game with their third goal. Frontman Afalabi, who had been busy all afternoon found himself unmarked on the edge of the box, and rattled a fine strike low to the goalkeeper’s left.
A fine start for Southampton, who now face local side County Londonderry on Day 2 – both sides will be looking to continue their 100% record in the tournament. Zacatepec also face local opposition on Tuesday in the form of County Antrim.