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Southampton 2-0 Huddersfield: FA Cup – Three Match Takeaway Thoughts

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary's Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary's Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary’s Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary’s Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Are there still gems in the Southampton academy?

The opportunities afforded to Smallbone and Vokins were pleasing to see for the Southampton faithful, especially when one considers that fellow academy graduates Lewis, Slattery and Obafemi were present on the bench too. With former Southampton junior James Ward-Prowse flourishing in Hasenhuttl’s revival, there is a finally a renewed sense of optimism that there may still be pearls remaining in the famed youth system.

Smallbone in particular impressed and was unlucky to have an assist ruled out when Shane Long was deemed offside by the narrowest of margins. Nevertheless, the teenager got his reward later on after he coolly dispatched Long’s knockdown after being left unmarked in the box.

With Vokins cashing in on the action in the dying stages, it ended up being a positive afternoon for those involved in the academy set up. The likes of Dan N’Lundulu, Nathan Tella and Ramello Mitchell remain waiting in the wings having been earmarked as future talents by the club. After a relatively sparse few years on the academy production line, Saints appear to have a manager willing to give those coming through a chance to shine.