Fulham FA Cup 5th Round Away Won 0 – 1
Saints rested the vulnerable for the cup tie at Fulham, with Stephens, Charles and Stewart not risked. That still left a strong side despite an upcoming midweek game and the effect a win would have on the Easter fixtures. Fulham chose a different approach with an eye on league position rather than actually winning a trophy. There was a contrast on the pitch too, with the home side enjoying 2/3 possession and forcing a total of 15 corners, but looking so vulnerable on the break, Typical was a counter from a Fulham corner that saw Scienza running clear; after the QPR game, everyone (especially Larin in support) knew he wasn’t going to pass, but you’d back Scienza of all our players in that situation… he missed. Referee Gillett was annoying many in his interpretation of the physical battle between Larin and Andersen but he rescued Saints in a bizarre incident: the official sparked the confusion by changing his mind over a corner award, in turn Peretz tried to be clever with a quick goal-kick that actually found its way into the net off Manning’s backside. The ‘goal’ wasn’t given, Gillett having blown his whistle under the impression that Manning had a head injury, and our old friend VAR might also have disallowed it because of a moving ball. Saints were under pressure after the restart and Muniz, who had a few half chances, ought to have done better with a header. Fulham also had the ball in the net again when Andersen’s header from a corner was saved by Peretz who was in no position to stop Castagne putting in the rebound; the line-o didn’t need VAR to have spotted Andersen offside, though. The balance of the game hadn’t swung decisively and Fellows, whose scoring prowess doesn’t match that song about him, didn’t test Lecomte much from a very good opportunity. Larin also missed when clear, although it’s likely that the whistle had already blown for a free kick to Southampton, so would Azaz do better when the next chance came his way? Nearly, as a shot deflected off Cuenca had to be tipped onto the woodwork by Lecomte. Peretz had to be quick off his line to stop Muniz and took one in the face to deny Sessegnon so extra time looked likely until Azaz was fouled by Andersen and Saints were given the opportunity for an added time winner from the spot: Lecomte guessed right but substitute Stewart‘s shot was powerful and the quarter finals beckoned. The hosts had waited until the 65th minute before bringing on Iwobi, then King on 89 and now Jiménez for six added minutes, but Fulham without Wilson couldn’t pierce the yellow wall.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
6. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, at the heart of a committed defence.
10. Finn Azaz. Many good contributions, including the decisive one.
41. Daniel Peretz. He wouldn’t have made the list had the Manning o.g. stood… but it didn’t!
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