U21 Report: Saints 3-0 Blackburn

Calum McFarlane’s side controlled the game from start to finish and held a half-time lead after Joachim Kayi Sanda’s header from a corner.

It took until late on for further goals but a comfortable win was confirmed through a Princewill Ehibhatiomhan penalty and a late strike from Moses Sesay, meaning Saints move back into the top six of the table.

The first chance of the evening went the way of the visitors as Patrik Farkas looked to place into the far corner from outside the box, but Saints' 16-year-old goalkeeper Oscar Abbotson got across well to tip behind.

Saints’ first attempt on target then came from Ehibhatiomhan, who took advantage of a slip at the back by Blackburn and looked to force home a shot at the near post, but goalkeeper Adam Khan was able to beat the ball away.

The hosts went closer to breaking the deadlock when Juan Larios nodded down to Victor Udoh, whose shot was parried onto the post, before the resulting corner did produce the first goal of the game.

Cameron Bragg’s delivery was played into a packed six-yard box and Kayi Sanda rose highest to nod home the opener – the ball bouncing in and finding the roof of the net.

Joachim Kayi Sanda powering in his first Saints goal. (Photos: Craig Hobbs)

It was almost 2-0 midway through the first half when a clipped cross from Derrick Abu found the head of Udoh, but visiting keeper Khan did well to tip over with the ball destined to drop over him.

The control from Saints continued throughout the first period and they went within inches of doubling their advantage 10 minutes before half time when Ehibhatiomhan's powerful drive flashed narrowly wide, but they had to settle for a one goal lead at the break.

McFarlane’s side made a strong start to the second half and found an opening within seconds of the restart as Udoh was played into a shooting position, but again found Khan in his way.

Saints then hit the post for a second time when substitute Sesay, introduced just after the hour mark, pushed towards the Blackburn penalty area and saw his low shot hit the upright and somehow roll agonisingly across the goal line.

Patience paid off for Saints though, and they eventually made it 2-0 on 77 minutes after Sesay was tripped in the area and won a penalty for his side.

Ehibhatiomhan had the chance to convert from the penalty spot, and he duly did so by sending Khan the wrong way with his spot kick.

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan (R) celebrates his goal with Moses Sesay (L).

The pressure continued late on and Saints truly rubber stamped their win late on when a neat move saw Will Merry square to Sesay who placed home a deserved third goal of the contest.

Romeo Akachukwu was unfortunate in stoppage time when he became the third Saints player to hit the woodwork as his placed effort across goal cannoned back off the far post.

Saints are back in action on Friday 11th April when they travel away to take on Derby County in Premier League 2 in their final game of the regular season, with kick-off at The Proctor Cars Stadium set for 7pm BST before the post-season play-offs are confirmed.

Saints: Abbotson, Abu (Davis 83), Payne, Moore, Kayi Sanda, Bragg (c) (Williams 83), Malak (Merry 61), Akachukwu, Ehibhatiomhan, Udoh (Sesay 61), Larios.

Subs not used: Shombe.

Goals: Kayi Sanda 14, Ehibhatiomhan 77 (pen), Sesay 87.

Blackburn: Khan, Leeming (Decandia 78), Pate, Pratt (c), Davies, Dunn (Potter 61), Dlamini (Joseph 61), O'Grady-Macken, Boggan, Farkas (Tyjon 46), Doherty.

Subs not used: Thompson.

Yellow cards: Pratt.