U18 Report: Newcastle 0-3 Saints
A double from Tommy-Lee Higgs helped Southampton’s youngsters on their way to a 3-0 victory at Newcastle United in their final Under-18s Premier League Cup outing.
lead at the Newcastle United Football Academy.
This pairing combined again in the 54th minute to double the lead for Carl Martin’s side before Jimmy-Jay Morgan completed the scoring with nine minutes remaining.
The two sides went into the game in contrasting form; the hosts with just one win in the last five whilst Saints had won all but one of their last five outings.
Martin’s starting eleven was a youthful one as many Under-18s regulars made the usual step up to the B team set-up for the new year.
Regulars Cameron Bragg, Josh Lett and Kaya Tshaka were joined by the likes of centre-backs Tommy Dobson-Ventura and Max Fry who enjoyed their first taste of Under-18s action this season.
The first half started in an even manner in regard to chances, although it was Saints who dominated possession and proved more clinical.
Lee-Higgs opened the scoring on 20 minutes, assisted by Dibling to give his side a deserved lead.
The Magpies looked to seek a route back into the game before the break but were unable to make the most of their chances.
Saints youngsters made them pay less than ten minutes into the second half; the same pairing of Lee-Higgs and Dibling combining as the former added his second strike of the morning.
The visitors continued to dominate possession and soon started to move ahead in the number of chances created, forcing the hosts to look for a counter opportunity.
These opportunities were few and far between, with Morgan confirming the victory inside the final ten minutes, assisted by substitute Jay Robinson.
Tuesday morning’s victory meant it was two wins from three for Martin’s side in this season’s Premier League Cup, meaning they finish Group A in second place, level with leaders Leicester City.
Unfortunately with the Foxes winning their final group match, today’s three goal margin was not enough to see them overtake Leicester into top spot, meaning the 2021/22 PL Cup adventure comes to an end.
