Southhampton, popularly known as The Saints, set up an FA Cup, 2023-2024 clash with Liverpool as Sekou Mara struck twice in a 3-0 defeat of fellow Championship side Watford in a fourth-round reply on Tuesday.
Leeds United also reached the fifth round as they overcame Plymouth Argyle 4-1 after extra time while Coventry City trounced Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 to earn a tie with minor league Maidstone United.
Promotion remains Southampton‘s priority but after extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 they will relish a crack at Juergen Klopp’s men.
After a turgid first half at St Mary’s the game exploded into life after the interval with Frenchman Mara scoring twice in the space of six minutes.
He opened the scoring in the 52nd minute after a clever touch by Che Adams and soon after that teenager Tyler Dibling surged forward and found Adams who in turn fed Mara to fire powerfully home from 20 metres.
Adams then grabbed his 10th goal of the season as he got on the end of Joe Rothwell’s free kick.
Wilfried Gnonto’s well-taken goal looked like booking Leeds a place in the fifth round but hosts Plymouth levelled late on when Brendan Galloway bundled in from close range.
With rain pouring down Crysencio Summerville came off the bench to put Leeds ahead in the first half of extra time, curling in a sublime finish after a jinking run.
Georginio Rutter made it 3-1 and Plymouth were left with no hope after an own goal by Ryan Hardie.
“We have a lot of games between now and (the trip to Anfield) so it won’t be a focus for a while but I’m pleased for the lads as they’ve earned the opportunity with a really convincing performance in the second half,” Southampton coach Russel Martin told BBC.
“The biggest test for us will be to go there and be the team we want to be. We’re not going to change anything. It’s a brilliant challenge.
“I didn’t enjoy the first half. I’m not going to apologise because they’ve been so good.”
FA Cup results:
Southampton-3 vs Watford-0.
Plymouth-1 vs Leeds United-4.
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your
site in web explorer, might check this? IE
nonetheless is the market chief and a huge section of people will miss your great writing due to this problem.
I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few
general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent :
D. Good job, cheers
Genuinely no matter if someone doesn’t be aware of then its up
to other viewers that they will assist, so here it happens.