Lumley: A special day for me
Southampton's Joe Lumley expressed the enjoyment of making his club debut in a 4-0 victory over Walsall in the Emirates FA Cup third round.
The 28-year-old was handed his first Saints appearance as Russell Martin rotated the squad for the cup clash against SkyBet League Two opposition.
Ryan Fraser starred as he scored a brace and registered an assist for Sékou Mara's second goal of the season, with Ché Adams rounding off the scoring on a positive afternoon at St Mary's Stadium.
"I really, really enjoyed it. [Making my] debut for the club, a big club." the goalkeeper said.
"Obviously when I came in I knew that I wouldn't be playing in the league because Gavin [Bazunu] is number one, and Gavin's done incredible but, yeah, it was great to be out there with the lads - a great performance."
On the game itself, he reflected, "the first half was a bit shaky at times, we scored early and should have been more comfortable but we defended well and were 1-0 up at half-time, and in the second half we were really good.
"The gaffer said before the game about keeping our unbeaten run going. Even though it's a cup game, it keeps the winning habit.
"Ryan Fraser was top drawer. Sékou again, brilliant, and Ché scored again, the boys are doing really well and, as you can see, anyone who comes into the team can perform."
"It's great to keep a clean sheet, that's my job." Lumley reacted with a smile, when asked about his personal achievement in the match.
He reserved further praise for the rest of the goalkeeping union, citing the significance of playing with goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton watching on from the bench.
"We're always improving, Alex [McCarthy] is trying to play and he's trying to push me, I'm trying to push him and I'm trying to push Gav.
"It's great and we all get on really well, which is even better so whoever plays, we want them to do well.
"Deano's top class. He was my coach when I first started playing at QPR so today was a bit of a special day for me and him, as it's the first professional game I've played with him as a coach.
"I couldn't have been where I am without him, to be fair, so I can't thank Deano enough."
