Match Report: Southampton v Strikers

Jul 24, 2018 | Junior Section

Southampton’s junior side recovered from an early setback to record a 3-1 win over Strikers FC that puts them in with a superb chance of progressing to the semi final stage of the Super Cup NI.

 

The Saints were on the back foot early on, Eric Reyes curling in a superb free kick after just 2 minutes to put Strikers ahead.

 

The lead didn’t last for long though, Leigh Kavanagh equalising for the English Premier League side just 4 minutes later.

 

The Strikers Fc players certainly weren’t shying away from a challenge or two, and on 14 minutes a cheap free kick given away on the edge of the box almost resulted in Southampton taking the lead, only the fingertips of Strikers keeper Griffin Welch denying Goran Babic.

 

Babic would have the last laugh just 2 minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after an admittedly soft penalty was awarded to Southampton for holding in the box.

 

These opening minutes would prove to be the highlight of a largely cordial first half, with large amounts of Southampton possession without creating any real chances proving to be a feature.

 

HT: Southampton FC 2 – Strikers FC 1

 

Southampton’s good first half work was nearly undone just 2 minutes into the second half, when a sloppy back pass almost let in Strikers centre forward Spencer Roberts, who rounded Jak Stewart in the goal but was unable to finish from a narrow angle.

 

The Strikers aggressive first half approach continued into the second, with a strong challenge on Southampton danger man Goran Babic in the 34th minute leading to a free kick that was swung just wide of the top corner by Teddy Davey.

 

Davey was showing some great touches in the centre of the park for Southampton, and it was his excellent play and through ball that set up Jayden Smith with an excellent chance that was well saved at the near post by Welch just minutes later.

 

Eventually Southampton’s pressure told and their lead was deservedly doubled in the 48th minute, a low shot from Cameron Salmon squirming past Welch in the Strikers goal.

 

Southampton’s youth academy is famed for bringing through world-class talent, and Southampton playmaker Goran Babic is certainly a name to look out for in the future, his shot from the edge of the box saved once more by the Strikers keeper in the 50th minute.

 

Southampton would go on to record a crucial victory, only a superb performance from Griffin Welch in the Strikers goal preventing a more substantial scoreline.

 

The win means Southampton go into their clash with NDSL tommorow knowing their Super Cup fate is in their own hands, whilst Strikers will have to bounce back ahead of their clash with Co. Tyrone.

 

Line-ups:

 

Southampton FC: 1. Jak Stewart, 2. Zuriel Taiwo, 3.Jacob Roddy, 4.Austen Herring, 5.Leigh Kavanagh, 6.Kegs Chauke, 8.Goran Babic, 9.Jayden Smith, 11. Daniel Phung, 17. Teddy Davey, 18. Ryan Finnigan

 

Strikers FC: 1. Griffin Welch, 3. Nathan Mulgado, 6.Paul Mencos, 7.Esteban Ojeda, 8.Eric Reyes, 10. Kyle Tapper, 14.Gadiel Pirir, 16. Mario Lucero, 17. Raymond Drai, 20. Spencer Roberts, 23. Michael McKibbins

 

Jonathan Brown

@JonnyBrown_96