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Southampton 1-1 Town - Match Report
Sunday, 4th Jan 2015 16:58

Town and Southampton face an FA Cup third round replay at Portman Road a week on Wednesday after an entertaining 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. Darren Ambrose put the Blues in front with his first goal for the club in almost 12 years in the 19th minute, but Morgan Schneiderlin equalised for the Premier League side on 33.

Mick McCarthy made six changes to the team which beat Charlton 3-0 on Tuesday with Ambrose handed the first start of his third spell with the Blues.

Kevin Bru, Stephen Hunt, Dean Gerken, former Saints academy schoolboy Tyrone Mings and Luke Hyam came into the team for Cole Skuse, former Southampton keeper Bartosz Bialkowski and Jonny Parr, who dropped to the bench, while Teddy Bishop, Jay Tabb and Paul Anderson were left out of the 18.

Cameron Stewart was named on the bench for the first time since joining the club in the summer.

The Blues, who took an away following of 5,500 to St Mary's, a record at the Saints' current home, started in a 4-4-2 formation with Hunt and Ambrose in the left and right wide midfield roles respectively.

Former Town keeper Kelvin Davis is on the bench for the home side, who made only two changes from the team which beat Arsenal 2-0 on New Year’s Day.

The Premier League side played keep-ball for the first five minutes but without threatening Gerken’s goal.

On eight Bru scraped a low shot well wide of England keeper Fraser Forster’s right post from the edge of the box, the first chance of note at either end.

The Saints continued to dominate possession but without creating a significant opening, although Victor Wanyama wasn’t too far away from Gerken’s right post with a powerful 30-yard strike in the 14th minute.

Almost immediately, Town carved out a decent chance at the other end, McGoldrick seizing on a loose pass on on the Blues right and cutting a low ball back to Hunt on the penalty spot, but the Irishman’s shot was straight at Forster.

There was a scare for the Saints in the 17th minute when skipper Jose Fonte air-kicked Gerken’s long clearance but Forster was on to it ahead of Murphy. At the other end, Hyam blocked from Wanyama on the edge of the box.

The Blues had been increasingly getting a foothold in the game and in the 19th minute they went in front.

Murphy’s clever ball sent Mings away in space on the left, the full-back crossed from the byline and Ambrose looped a header beyond Forster and into the top corner of the net to send the 5,500 at the other end wild. It was the 30-year-old midfielder’s first Blues goal since February 2003.


Graziano Pelle wasn’t too far away for the Premier League side on 24, the Italian striker flicking Ryan Bertrand’s low cross from the left beyond the far post.

The home side went close again a minute later when Dusan Tadic played in Steven Davis one-on-one with Gerken, who came off his line to save with his foot. Tommy Smith blocked the rebound from Pelle.

Despite those chances, it was by no means all Southampton. On 28 Bru fed Murphy in space on the right of the area and his cross was only just behind McGoldrick, Fonte clearing.

Gerken got down well to his right to save James Ward-Prowse’s 25-yard freekick on 29, then a minute later Schneiderlin was booked for a foul on Ambrose. Christophe Berra joined him in referee Martin Atkinson’s book soon afterwards.

The Saints got back on terms in the 33rd minute via a goal Berra and Gerken will want to forget. The Scottish international defender was trying to shield a loose bouncing ball back to his keeper, who he was expecting to come off his line rather quicker than he was, and Schneiderlin stuck a leg in between them to divert it into the net.

The Town goal came under siege following the equaliser with goalscorer Schneiderlin amongst those having efforts blocked.

On 38 the Blues broke quickly, Murphy feeding McGoldrick to his left, but the Town number 10 chipped over.

Bertrand saw a volley deflect wide on 40 with the game still being played mainly in and around the Town box.

Moments before the end of a thoroughly entertaining half, Hyam unleashed a rocket from 30 yards which appeared to catch a defender on its way past Forster’s right post.

Town had been by no means outclassed by their Premier League opponents, creating a number of opportunities in addition to the goal, despite the Saints having enjoyed much the greater share of the possession.

Ambrose showed the goalscoring instincts Blues supporters will remember from his first spell at the club, finishing the well-worked move down the left with a superb header.

While the Saints’ goal was down to a mix-up between Berra and Gerken, on the balance of the game the home side hadn’t deserved to be behind at the break.

The home side created the first significant opening of the second half five minutes after the restart, Hunt having sold Mings short with a pass allowing Shane Long to break down the right. The Irishman crossed and Smith did well to get in front of Pelle. On 53 Mings was booked for a foul on Davis.

Championship top scorer Murphy turned defender in the 57th minute, tracking Bertrand and sliding in to dispossess the left-back after he had been played on on goal by Pelle.

The Italian hit a low shot through to Gerken on the hour with the Blues having been unable to get into the game after the break. The Saints had dominated but without creating too many opportunities.

Two minutes later, Stewart was handed his Town debut in place of Hunt on the left with the Blues by now playing a 4-4-1-1 formation with Murphy on the right and Ambrose behind lone striker McGoldrick.

Berra blocked from Pelle in the 65th minute with the Saints continuing to press, moments before Lloyd Isgrove replaced Tadic for the home side.

Skuse took over from Ambrose in the 70th minute, the goalscorer departing to warm applause from the big Town following, who were continuing to make a lot of noise in the Northam Stand. Bru moved into the role between the midfield and McGoldrick.

On 80, Berra and Shane Long tangled as they went for a ball on the right on the edge of the box, the linesman awarding a freekick with some Saints players arguing it was inside the area. The Blues just about dealt with the ball to the far post.

As the game moved into its final 15 minutes the Saints stepped up the pressure. The game was being played almost entirely in or around the Town box, Berra twice clearing crosses with towering headers.

On 79 Skuse sent Stewart away on a break down the right but the former Hull City winger was unable to find McGoldrick - the only other Town player in the final third - with his low cross. With three minutes of scheduled time remaining Conor Sammon replaced Bru.

Deep in five minutes of injury time Berra made an important challenge on Isgrove - wearing a bandage on his head following an earlier clash with Chambers - as the youngster broke into the area.

Bertrand shot across the face of goal as the home side looked to win it at the last, but Town weren’t to be denied a replay, which is likely to be played at Portman Road on Wednesday 14th January.

While the Blues had their chances in the first half, they never looked like adding to Ambrose’s goal after the break with Southampton dominating throughout, although without creating as many opportunities as they had before the break.

As ever, the Town backline remained resolute to give the Blues a second chance to progress to the fourth round for the first time in five years, this time on home territory.

The draw for the fourth round will take place live on BBC One prior to Monday evening's live third round tie between AFC Wimbledon and Liverpool.

Southampton: Forster, Ward-Prowse, Fonte (c), Gardos, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Tadic (Isgrove 66), Long, Pelle. Unused: Davis, Alderweireld, Isgrove, Reed, McCarthy, Targett, Seager.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Smith, Hyam, Ambrose (Skuse 70), Bru (Sammon 87), Hunt (Stewart 62), Murphy, McGoldrick. Unused: Bialkowski, Parr, Bajner, Clarke. Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire). Att:


Photo: Action Images



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ian_marshall added 17:03 - Jan 4
Well done boys good result away at premier leauge side.

And a bonus game under the lights at fpr in boring January!

Coyb
8

EssexTractor added 17:04 - Jan 4
Excellent result, with goals and other highlights shown immediately on BBC for those unable to travel. But more importantly great effort from those who did travel and for the 14 on the field who showed yet again this ITFC is the best for many years.
12

RegencyBlue added 17:05 - Jan 4
Good result!

Only time will tell if it costs us in the league.
0

muccletonjoe added 17:06 - Jan 4
should do wonders for confidence
10

Samassi100Abou added 17:13 - Jan 4
What a result a Southampton side that is only missing Clyne and Mane...although the thought of a reply feels a unwanted distraction midweek, I think the wally with the brolly will be shakeing in his boots

Shame the Gerka had to play hesitant as per usual, no offence I know there are plenty that rate him but I cannot stand him them forest goal still haunt me.

Nice to be in the draw still COYB

6

DazBent added 17:16 - Jan 4
We've seen Giants like Chelsea and Arsneal struggle at St.Marys in recent weeks, we are proving our ability and strengthening our squads experience
7

TractorBoy666 added 17:18 - Jan 4
What a result against a quite strong line up by Southampton. I went on the Southampton page just after the line ups were released and they were talking about how koeman doesn't mess around and were expecting a big scoreline, little did they know about the spirit of our team. A replay under the lights at a sold out at a fortress Portman Road sounds very good to me! COYB, great team performance and how I'm loving life with Mick and Terry at the helm.
10

TimmyH added 17:29 - Jan 4
Well played against a reasonably strong saints side, it sounded like largely a backs to the wall affair but have to commend the lads for going there and remaining undefeated! :)
Have to say not to cocker hoop about a replay though PR has turned into a fortess.

Well done lads, MM and TC!
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BillBlue added 17:31 - Jan 4
Sorry Gerks, but it is nice to know we could so easily have beaten a team that recently humbled the Arsenal at the same ground but why did we ease off and let them come at us as soon as we went in front? We know we have goals in us now so why not go and win the game? A pity IMO about the fixture list the older memories of an exhausted team are still too painful. Many congratulations to MM, TC and ALL the boys you are surely making us proudd of you. COYB
11

carsey added 17:42 - Jan 4
Great result against a top PL side. Sounds like we had to defend well but that is our strength this season. Have seen their goal on BBC site and I know some won't like me saying it but if Gerkin had come off his line quicker and dealt with it.......
The replay isn't ideal but it will be good to have another go at them at our place.

5

ChestnutSe added 17:44 - Jan 4
£10 a ticket for the replay?
16

Michael11 added 17:50 - Jan 4
Great effort by the boys against a very strong Premier League side. Keeps the unbeaten mentality going and that can only be a good thing. Fancy our chances under a floodlit Portman Road. A cheap ticket promotion like today would be a great idea too.

However, I can't help but say that Gerken's just not good enough for us. He's a calamity waiting to happen every time he plays! If he wasn't already, then Bialkowski is certainly our number 1 keeper now. You could say Berra should've smashed it out of play but why is Gerken stood on his line 6 yards out leaving him to take all the pressure?
8

jas0999 added 18:03 - Jan 4
Could have done without a replay, but this is another excellent result, away to a strong Southampton side. This keeps our unbeaten run going and will surely give the club a revenue boost with a replay. Hope though the tickets are priced accordingly to attract a big crowd, as surely it will be televised?
3

gorse added 18:03 - Jan 4
Great performance but so gutted not to win, call me old fashioned but it's up to the keeper to communicate and manage those situations. Will have done BB's prospects no harm. Still, reassuring performance against a top prem team!
5

Samassi100Abou added 18:05 - Jan 4
Michael11 .... Spot on send him back to colchester I'm sure they will play him in the reserves, never ever rated him.

I'm sure we will get a backlash saying he made 4 saves during the game as if no other keeper could make them saves

Really feel we can beat them at our place fingers crossed he leaves Bart in goal
4

linda16 added 18:06 - Jan 4
well done guys a great result, from premier team that beat Arsneal
2

Warkys_Tash added 18:16 - Jan 4
Fantastic result against a top PL side on their home patch. Super confidence booster & great to know the squad has some depth in quality. Darren Ambrose proving that he still has it & adds goals into our midfield. Nice to see Stewart finally make his debut - lots of pluses today. Top marks MM & TC. Best unbeaten run since 1996, it's good to be an Ipswich fan right now.
10

therein61 added 18:16 - Jan 4
Got to be a great result considering we played as the strongest team as they could put out(compliment for how we have been playing!?) although under the cosh for much of the game we took it to them on the counter and at times made them very uncomfortable and had the defence pointing fingers at each other be nice to meet them home and away next season, the cup can wait let's just get promotion!!!!
0

DurhamTownFan added 18:18 - Jan 4
1: great to boost everyone's confidence in the league and get us thinking about what we could do IF we were to go up

2: has Darren Ambrose just earned himself a new deal? (Probably)

3: had Dean Gerken just confirmed Bart's status as undisputed no1? (Yes)
6

BillBlue added 18:21 - Jan 4
Blueboy81. Where are you mate?, Come aboard and celebrate with the rest of us don't stay out of this. Come on lads let us all get behind this lot even when we do not always agree on everything on this we must!! This really is beginning to feel like Ipswich Town again. COYB
10

NoelTheDub added 18:24 - Jan 4
I was expecting a tough game today as Saints are flying in the prem at the moment but full credit to our small squad for that performance today.I was hoping we could play well even if we got beat just to keep our players on a high and I think we got a bigger lift from this result.Super effort by everyone..COYB.
3

StochesStotasBlewe added 18:58 - Jan 4
Great effort from the team today. Couldn,t make the game unfortunately but kept in touch via radio. Looking forward to the replay. Just been on the official Saints website, tickets on sale tomorrow priced as for todays game. Lets hope for a bumper crowd.
4

TractorBeezer added 18:59 - Jan 4
Excellent result lads. Saw this comment on the Southampton Forum...they aren't relishing this replay

"a bad thing with a replay is that is will be sandwiched between away games to united and newcastle. 3 away games in a week"

UTTBs
2

purplealien added 19:03 - Jan 4
Goals here if anyone hasn't seen them.......
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30672769
4

dirtydingusmagee added 19:22 - Jan 4
well done ,yet again the team have worked hard and got an excellent result.Mick must be chuffed with that.Played 6 changes therefor not risking the regular squad getting probs,and still got a team that played together and a very respectable result.Well done Dazz,good goal .COYB
1


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