U21 Report: AFC Totton 2-3 Saints
Southampton Under-21s’ began their pre-season schedule with a victory over AFC Totton at Snows Stadium.
Led by Simon Rusk for the first time since his arrival in the summer, Saints' youngsters fielded two separate line-ups for the first and second half against their local non-league opponents.
AFC Totton made the brighter start, but it was Saints who took the lead through an exceptional Derrick Abu free-kick in the 14th minute.
The lead only lasted four minutes though, as the Stags equalised through Marcus Daws to level the scores.
Simon Rusk in the dugout. (Photos: Sayers Sports Photography.)
After another spell for Totton, it was Saints who struck again as Dom Ballard marked his return with a smart finish.
The striker, who had missed the majority of last season with an injury picked up on loan, rounded off a neat team move to restore the lead.
A trialist extended the advantage just after the hour mark, before Totton hit back with a second goal for Daws through a back post header.
Saints move on to a behind-closed-doors encounter with League Two side Swindon Town at Staplewood on Friday.
AFC Totton squad: Noice, Lutumba, Jefford, Trialist A, Kennedy, Hallett, Rew, Tomasso, Rendell, Taylor, Pelham, Trialist B, Trialist C, Owers, Trialist D, Bennett, Rose, Lee, Trialist E, Daws, Trialist F, Trialist G.
Goals: Daws 18, 73.
Saints first half: Mohamed, Trialist A, Hewlett, Moore, Payne, Williams, Oyekunle, O'Brien-Whitmarsh, Ballard, Abu, Merry.
Saints second half: McNamara, Trialist B, Armitage, Boot, Meghoma, Charles, Trialist C, Rohart-Brown, Ehibhatiomhan, Trialist D, Robinson.
Goals: Abu 14, Ballard 41, Trialist 64.
