Winchester Host A Southampton XI

A Jason Dodd managed youthful side took on Winchester City at their ground and ended up running out comfortable winners.

The game started evenly and it took a while for the Saints XI to get a firm grip on the game.

Saints playing in the new away kit went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to a well struck left footed volley from Jordace Holder-Spooner on 29 minutes.

Followed by a second which was scored by Harlee Dean with a powerful header, from a Holder-Spooner corner 4 minutes from half-time.

Straight after the break saints made a handful of changes, before eventually substituting all outfield players.

Three out of the four trialists on show were subbed on 70 minutes. Two of these combined together to make the third goal.

Scott Shutton played ball through for Jermaine McGlashen who was brought down in the box. Shutton then stepped up to calmly place the ball inside the bottom left hand post on 59 minutes.

This was just after Jermaine himself was denied a goal for a lovely curled shot which went into the top corner of the net for an offside decision.

Perhaps the most amazing of Saints four goals was the final one scored by Lloyd Isgrove. He interceptepted a weak clearance and then went on a weaving run through the City defence before unleashing a really strong low shot into the bottom corner with ten minutes remaining.

City did manage to score with the clock running down. Young keeper Matteo Carvarsan mis-hit a clearance to a red shirted City player to tap home. Other than that the youngster had been solid between the posts.

After the game Jason Dod praised his young team for the thoroughly professional manner in which they played.

He said that for the first 20 minutes Saints were getting into the game but once the kids had got going they were fine.

‘We created chances and we tried to entertain all the Saints fans too. There was plenty of banter between the players and the fans on the sidelines.’

He went on to say that he was glad the kids could enjoy the experience it was essential that they got the win in the way that they did.

Overall Dodd was pleased with the team and the way that they coped at first before dictating the play. He was especially pleased with the trialists who had only been with the club since Thursday.

All in all it looks like a worthy start to the pre-season series of games arranged.