Southampton | Saints fight back to earn point at Portman Road

Ipswich Town 1 - 1 Southampton

Ipswich Town and Southampton shared the points after an entertaining contest.

Author | Marcus L

Stadium | Portman Road

Break in play at Portman Road

The hosts struck early through their high press, George Hirst pouncing on Joshua Quarshie’s mistake before driving into the area and squaring across goal. The ball deflected off Taylor Harwood-Bellis and looped into the net past the stranded Gavin Bazunu.

Southampton gradually settled, moving the ball with greater assurance and finding joy through Mateus Fernandes and Jay Robinson. Their equaliser arrived shortly before half-time when Ryan Fraser’s out swinging cross was met by Robinson, the 18-year-old heading firmly into the corner for his first senior goal.

Ipswich nearly restored their advantage immediately after, Hirst breaking clear and forcing a sharp save from Bazunu. Early in the second half they came even closer when Sammie Szmodics latched onto Hirst’s through ball and fired against the inside of the post, the rebound falling gratefully to the visiting keeper.

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The final stages were played at full tilt as both sides sought a winner. Conor Chaplin might have snatched it in stoppage time, heading narrowly over, but in the end a draw felt a fair reflection of an absorbing game.

Which players stood out for Southampton?

View from the away end pre kick-off

Ryan Fraser

Fraser operated on the right in a wing-back role that suited him. He was typically combative in the challenge and diligent in his defensive work, while also posing a threat going forward. His deliveries from wide were a regular outlet, one of which created Robinson’s equaliser.

Jack Stephens

Produced a determined defensive display, making three crucial blocks and six clearances in a frantic contest. Confident on the ball, he played out from the back with composure and rarely surrendered possession.

Jay Robinson

Marked his breakthrough with the equaliser, rising well to head in Fraser’s cross. Still finding his feet in the final third but showed glimpses of promise.