Che Adams nets another brace as Southampton ease past Cambridge
Teenager Dominic Ballard grabbed a late third during a bright cameo for the Premier League side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Che Adams’ brace and a late debut strike by teenager Dominic Ballard helped Southampton FC win their first-ever meeting with Cambridge United 3-0 to book a place in the Carabao Cup third round.
Saints forward Adams continued his strong start to the new campaign with a goal in each half to back up his weekend efforts where he netted a double to inspire a comeback victory away to Leicester.
Substitute Ballard added a third late on to ensure Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men made it back-to-back wins on the road having gone six months without tasting success away from home prior to Saturday’s triumph.
With Saints captain James Ward-Prowse and Kyle Walker-Peters given the night off, it opened the door for teenager Lewis Payne to make a full debut.
The right-back made a quick impression when he showed his composure in the 16th minute with a fine centre across goal for Adams to poke home.
Adams had already been denied an earlier effort for handball while Mohamed Elyounoussi tested Cambridge’s back-up goalkeeper Will Mannion during a frantic opening.
Both teams continued to play at a high intensity but Southampton were the dominant force and only George Williams’ excellent goalline clearance to deny Adam Armstrong kept it 1-0 at half-time.
Sam Smith dragged wide for the Sky Bet League One outfit immediately after the break but the clincher soon arrived and it was Adams who again made the difference.
He fired home on the half-volley after a Oriol Romeu’s pot shot had been parried but Cambridge were unhappy the 55th-minute effort counted after the ball hit Adams’ elbow in the build-up.
Numerous substitutions were made soon after and forward Ballard wrapped up the scoring two minutes from time when he rifled into the roof of the net at the second attempt to cap a memorable cameo.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments