Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article
U23s Report: Norwich 3-0 Saints
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Saints were perhaps the architects of their own downfall in the first period, as some clumsy defending gifted Norwich two avoidable goals. 17-year-old Glenn Middleton assisted both efforts, and left the visitors with an undesirable deficit entering the break.
Louis McIntosh extended the home side’s lead further, midway through the second half, guiding a wonderfully struck free-kick in to the top right corner from 20-yards.
On a hard-hitting night for the visitors, Saints were left trailing early on when winger Middleton drove towards the byline, before fizzing an inviting delivery across the six-yard line, where Aaron O’Driscoll misjudged his clearance and sent the ball past a helpless Jack Rose.
Moments later, Norwich looked intent on doubling their lead before some O’Driscoll heroics on the goal-line, as Tristan Abrahams had squeezed a low shot past Rose. Keen to atone for his earlier error, the former Man City defender read the danger well and was quick to come to his 'keeper’s aid.
Marcus Barnes had the chance to draw level on the half hour mark, after Harlem Hale’s solo run and floated cross presented the striker with Saints’ best chance of the first period.
The teenager headed agonisingly wide, before the evening was dampened further as the hosts extended their lead by virtue of a second own goal. Florin Gardoș the offender on that occasion.
The second period elapsed without too much by way of goalmouth action, although Canaries substitute Pierre Fonkeu lit up the half in the 70th minute with a scintillating run from the half-way line.
Jake Vokins, stepping up from the Under-18s, had a chance to reduce the deficit, while Dan N’Lundulu twice tested McGovern, before McIntosh made the points certain for Norwich. A well-placed free-kick nestled in to the top corner, leaving Rose stranded and Saints well beaten.
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