Armstrong: Fans' welcome inspired us to West Brom win
Two-goal hero Adam Armstrong spoke of how the thousands of Southampton fans who welcomed the team coach arriving at St Mary’s helped inspire the players to victory in Friday night’s Championship play-off semi-final.
After a goalless draw with West Brom at The Hawthorns, the stage was set for the decisive second leg, sparking an “unbelievable” response from the Saints supporters, who lined the streets two hours before kick-off to welcome their heroes.
What followed was a memorable 3-1 victory, with all the goals arriving in the second half, including two in the last 12 minutes from Armstrong, who added to Will Smallbone’s sumptuous opener.
“You’ve seen the atmosphere before the game – we didn’t know what it was quite going to be like, but the fans came out in their numbers and showed what it meant for the club,” Armstrong reflected at full time.
“It means everything. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it, it was unbelievable, gets the lads going, and what a win.
“It was a massive game, there’s no doubt about it. We had to put on a performance tonight and we did.
“I think we played well first half, but we knew we needed to punish them a bit more, take more risks in the second half.
“We came out flying in the second half. What a finish from Will to set us off. I don’t know what to say – I’m just buzzing.
“The lads are buzzing in there. It’s a trip to Wembley – let’s hope we can do it.”
Armstrong’s first goal made the score 2-0 in the 78th minute, effectively taking the game away from the visitors as his low left-footed drive found the far corner.
“I kept making runs first half and not getting it,” he added. “Second half I’ve seen Flynn [Downes] driving with it and I thought it’s an opportunity for me to get the ball.
“I always get told as a striker to shoot early through defenders’ legs, and it paid off. It was a nice strike, and got us going.”
