West Ham Away Drew 1 – 1
With last year’s promoted clubs, led by Southampton, of course, performing so badly, it’s easy to forget that there are others out of form – principally West Ham, our latest opponents. After Ramsdale was forced into an early save, the Hammers almost looked ready for the taking by the rock bottom side whom Walker-Peters should have put ahead, but he screwed a great chance wide after good work by Fernandes. Sulemana came even closer with a snap volley but the crossbar isn’t quite on target either, although a decent effort. Not for the first time there were hopes that a half-time draw might lead to a rare point, although you also felt that a goal was needed as we have only one clean sheet in the campaign. A set piece might be the best chance, with Bednarek, Stephens and Harwood-Bellis adding to Onuachu’s presence; other teams know this, though, so West Ham were quick to break and when Fūllkrug held the ball up from a clearance and fed Bowen, a 47th minute goal was inevitable. The ball went past Ramsdale for a second time when Fūllkrug outjumped the keeper from West Ham’s own corner, but with too much physicality for both the on-field and VAR officials. Saints weren’t done, though, and the unlikely figure of Stephens drew Areola’s only save of note, having joined subs Archer and Dibling in attack for another corner. Dibling is finding it a difficult second half season and looks well out of sorts, something demonstrated by a snatched shot high over the bar from an opportunity every bit as good as that which had fallen to Walker-Peters. Stewart and Welington were introduced to try and rescue a point and there was plenty of possession to give some hope, although our play was more patient than daring. Then, on 90 + 3,Walker-Peters’ cross was blocked and the ball fell nicely for Ugochukwu to open his goalscoring account in what is likely to be one of his last Saints appearances with a crisp volley that fairly flew in. With two minutes still remaining, it wasn’t impossible that Saints would concede again; in fact the home side saw very little more of the ball – surely we couldn’t go on and win it ourselves? No! Apparently West Ham were booed off, something Saints fans were unaware of as for once we were able to cheer our own team.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates for you to choose from:
18. Mateus Fernandes, who still looks good on the ball, despite little support.
26. Lesley Ugochukwu, not exactly the new Victor Wanyama but he can use his physique well – and a fine goal!
30. Aaron Ramsdale, as long as you don’t think he was at fault for the disallowed ‘goal.’
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