FSA PRO kicked off 2023 with their first showcase game of the year against a strong Southampton FC.
With recent league games being cancelled it was to be the first minutes for some players since the winter break, and it showed early in the game
FSA looked good going forward and created a few early chances after great play down both wings with attacking fullbacks support in Denzel Akyeampong and Karim Mellar. Southampton pushed back and got the opener as a double save from FSA goalkeeper wasn’t enough to keep out the Southampton number 9 who grabbed an easy tap in making it 1-0 to the saints.
Southampton capitalised on an FSA error as a quick free kick was pounced on leaving a 1v1 and Southampton quickly made it 2-0. It was more mistakes for the FSA defence as miss communication left an easy tap in making it 3-0 at the break and some strong words needed.
FSA players knew it was costly mistakes that they needed to put right and immediately got back as some clever feet and a clinical finish from Mark Soares made it 3-1. FSA PRO now playing with a lot more confidence looked the stronger side and 5 minutes later made it 3-2 as Kenny Bellamingle pressed a lose back pass to the saints keeper and tackled him leaving an empty net. It was nearly the perfect comeback as more great pressing, this time from Karim Mellar allowed Charlie Sissarello to shoot from 18 yards however the ball pelted against the post and was narrowly cleared. It was all FSA but Southampton looked to quickly counter attack every time the ball turned over. The Southampton number 9 eventually got his second of the game as a well placed free kick hit the inside of the post and tricked over the line giving the saints a needed two goal lead. FSA continued to work hard but the game was finally put to bed with yet another counter attack in the final minutes making it 5-2 at the final whistle.
A spirited comeback and a much better second half from FSA PRO but they were left to pay for early mistakes. It was much needed minutes and a good building block ready for upcoming league games.
Full Time: Southampton FC 5-2 FSA PRO
Man of the match: Karim Mellar