Lincoln Away Drew 1 – 1
Of course the best thing about being in the EFL is no VAR but you also get to go to places like Lincoln: Liverpool may have two cathedrals, but Lincoln has a magnificent medieval pile sat on top of the hill overlooking the city, and its ground. Since we were last there, visiting fans have been housed in the only part of Sincil Bank where you can’t see the view, and for many of us, the view of the pitch wasn’t that great either. You could, however, see that it was a particularly narrow one, a dimension that doesn’t suit Southampton’s attacking style, so maybe that was why Matsuki came in for Fellows and Ward-Prowse was promoted to start; other considerations no doubt explain surprise recalls for Welington and Stephens. As expected, Saints had the bulk of possession and, as feared, created few ‘expected goals’ while The Imps always posed a threat with their less frequent but more direct approach. It took something special to break the deadlock in our favour, and that’s exactly what happened in the 44th minute when Welington Santos got the ball miles from goal but nevertheless unleashed a shot into the top corner. Peretz was forced into rare action to preserve the lead until half time, after which Saints took control, with Scienza somehow managing to hit both posts with a dramatic effort. Then Scienza was taken off around the hour, along with Larin. Nothing really unusual about that, especially with another midweek game imminent, but this match wasn’t won, and Lincoln were also turning to their bench to try to save it, including bringing on giant forward Ladefoged. The big man’s finishing soon showed why he didn’t start while Ogbene, also off the bench, should have done better than force Peretz to save with his legs. Clearly the home side weren’t lying down so on came Wood as a third centre back in an attempt to secure all three points. In the 88th minute, though, Hackett, another sub, produced the sort of cross that his manager would have dreamt of, whilst the entire coaching staff would have shot Ladefoged had he missed the headed opportunity. Dobbin went close for Saints in the little time remaining, but again a match where we took the lead but didn’t, in truth, deserve to retain it.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
1. Daniel Peretz, forced into two saves.
30. James Ward-Prowse. Probably the best game he’s had anywhere since last he played for us.
34. Welington Santos, with a memorable goal.
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