West Bromwich Home Won 3 – 2 – Just, Midlands Part 2
A change for the visit of West Brom with Quarshie recalled as Stephens dropped to the bench – it’s not clear if this was tactical, rotational or if injury was involved. Tonda had talked up the visitors’ pressing game, so maybe this was to sucker them into going too hard and playing into Southampton’s hands, as, suddenly and for the first time in years, we counter-attack with great effect. Certainly it was an exciting break that helped Saints continue their run of powerful starts when a mazy run by Fellows was matched by Scienza being aware that he could cross his path and be free for a pass to the right and a chance that he took with ease. There was no assist in the second goal as Phillips stumbled in possession and Armstrong picked his pocket to put us two up within 20 minutes. As in the last game, Saints went off the boil from their strong position but they did manage a third before half time: not a breakout nor a defensive error but an intuitive exchange of passes between Azaz and Armstrong that led to the latter’s eleventh goal of the season. Albion made their first change after just 39 minutes, although it didn’t seem to be having much effect on proceedings; then they scored just after the hour and Southampton made the first of their substitutions, taking off Fellows (clearly picked up an injury) and Scienza (as per usual, although he never seems very pleased at the ploy). The first Baggies goal was from a corner, with Ahearne-Grant hitting a true shot through what seemed to be a mass of players. More orthodox corner kick approaches soon began to suggest a way for them to get truly back into contention and a succession of set pieces were only cleared thanks to a couple of Bazunu saves, Manning’s kick off the line and finally the ball just going past the post. Maybe we’d have done better to look at Stephens or Edwards as a replacement for Fellows as Fraser was spotted lining up against a giant defender and would have been more use away from the action, up at the half-way line. Bazunu also struggles physically in these situations and he had no chance when an ideal delivery led to Phillips heading his side’s second from an 86th minute corner – someone amongst our centre backs ought to have been doing more. A nervy period of added time was survived, thanks in part to Iling-Junior shooting wide when well placed.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
9. Adam Armstrong, in fine goal scoring form.
13. Léo Scienza, the other goal scorer.
18. Tom Fellows who provided a memorable assist.
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