Southampton 2 (Robinson 9, 87) Wolves 1 (Angel 45+3)
Wolves under-21s fell to a narrow loss away at Southampton under-21s at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday evening.
Jay Robinson struck first in the game to give the hosts a lead within the opening 10 minutes, before Dani Angel levelled the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
Despite a much improved second-half performance from Wolves, Robinson scored his second of the game just three minutes from time, which saw the hosts take all three points.
Following an impressive victory away at Spurs last time out, Wolves under-21s looked to make it consecutive wins and climb up the Premier League 2 table, however, it was the hosts who made the positive start.
After dominating the early exchanges, Southampton redeemed their reward with a goal within 10 minutes. Robinson won possession of the ball inside the Wolves half and darted towards goal, he arrived inside the penalty area and opened up his body before rolling a calm effort into the far bottom left corner.
One almost became two just moments later when Viktor Udoh struck the post. Robinson was involved again as he made his way towards Wolves’ penalty area, he aimed a hopeful ball forward to Udoh, before he shot on the swivel and hit the post.
Wolves struggled to stamp their mark on the game, having not registered a shot thus far as chances were few and far between in the opening half hour.
Instead, the hosts came close again to a second goal, this time Romeo Akachukwu had his turn to test Josh Gracey. Akachukwu received the ball on the edge of the penalty area following a counter-attack, he struck a firm effort which forced Gracey into a superb save, turning the ball away from danger.
The final 15 minutes of the first period was predominantly insignificant possession from the hosts as they dictated play, while Wolves prevented themselves from going two behind with efficient defensive duties, that would soon be thanked for.
On the stroke of half-time, Angel found the back of the net to give the visitors a leveller going into the break. Ethan Sutherland whipped in a delivery from a free-kick that was initially met by Justin Hubner, as his shot was parried by Josh McNamara to the feet of Angel who could not miss from a few yards out.
Half-time | Southampton 1-1 Wolves
Wolves changed their ways and started to look competitive in the contest as they followed up their equaliser with a good start to the second period. Edozie plucked a ball out of the air with a deft touch to set him for a shot at goal, however a good stop from McNamara sent the ball over the upright.
The visitors continued their ascend and the game looked more in the balance by the hour mark. Southampton’s hold on the game had loosened and Wolves pushed for the lead for the first time in the contest and came close to doing so.
Makenzie Bradbury lifted his head up before sliding Sutherland into the penalty area, he had a sight of goal and swung a left boot at the ball, but an intervention from the Southampton defence denied McNamara into action in the Southampton net.
The Wolves side had much improved in the second half, Gracey had not been forced into a save approaching the final 15 minutes, and the frontline were causing Southampton’s defence problems.
Despite Wolves’ best efforts, Southampton grabbed the third and decisive goal of the game as Robinson bagged his second. Substitute William Merry got free down the right flank and squared the ball to Robinson who initially failed to make contact however, after shifting his feet, he managed to bundle the ball home.
Wolves applied late pressure for a second equaliser of the game, but another fightback failed to materialise as Wolves fell to defeat.
Full-time | Southampton 2-1 Wolves
LINEUPS
Southampton | McNamara, Abu (Fry 90+2), Payne, Moore, Kayi Sanda, Bragg, Robinson, Akachukwu, Ehibhatiomhan (Merry 64), Udoh (Malak 64), Larios (Sesay 64).
Subs not used | Shombe.
Wolves | Gracey, Okoduwa, Hubner, Voice (Mabete 65), Meupiyou, White (Whittingham 85), Dayman, Bradbury, Angel, Edozie (Reynolds 85), Sutherland (Keto-Diyawa 85).
Subs not used | Igbinoghene.
Report by Callum Greybanks
