It was a fantastic final day for Southampton, as Tonda Eckert’s side beat Preston North End 3-1 at Deepdale.
Despite some pressure from the home side throughout the game, the Saints spent most of the ninety minutes on top and made their chances pay.
The Saints solidified fourth spot in the Championship, setting up a home second-leg tie.
Player ratings (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & defenders
Daniel Peretz - 5/10: Peretz was having a good game in goal for Southampton until disaster struck on the hour mark, and the Israeli goalkeeper slipped over, leaving Lewis Dobbin with an open net to stroke home into. Apart from that moment, it was a typically solid performance in goal from the 25-year-old.
Shea Charles - 7/10: In an unorthodox change, Shea Charles started at right back for the Saints, operating much higher when his side had the ball. The Northern Irishman looked comfortable with the change and played well in the game.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8/10: Southampton’s stand-in skipper had a great day out, defending well without any fuss as usual, and got his seventh goal of the season with a looping header inside the first fifteen minutes of the game. A player clearly beyond the level of the second tier by now.
Nathan Wood - 6/10: It was a comfortable game at centre back for Nathan Wood, who completed 45 out of his 47 attempted passes and won 5/6 of his duels. Preston didn’t pose too much of a threat up front.
Welington - 7/10: Welington also had a solid game and picked up an assist, forming a good partnership with Leo Scienza on the left side of the pitch.
Midfielders
Cam Bragg - 6/10: It was a routine game for 21-year-old Bragg in the heart of midfield, without any huge headlines for the young Staplewood product. A season for him to be proud of, and it’s not done yet.
Caspar Jander - 7/10: Jander was everywhere once again and is in impeccable form of late. Not a foot wrong from the young German midfielder.
Forwards
Tom Fellows - 6/10: Fellows came so close to an overdue first goal in Southampton colours in the first half, but it just wasn’t to be again for the 22-year-old winger.
Cameron Archer - 7/10: It was another great performance by Cameron Archer, who provided an assist at Deepdale. A player who is really proving his worth in recent weeks.
Leo Scienza - 7/10: Scienza had the joint-most touches (6) in the opposition box against Preston, took the joint-most shots (4) and completed the joint-most dribbles (3). Another game where the Brazilian looked a class above.
Ross Stewart - 7/10: It was a quiet game up front for Scotsman Ross Stewart, until the Saints centre forward came up with a goal to make it 2-0 minutes inside the second half. A good striker’s performance.
Substitutes
James Bree - 6/10
Cyle Larin - 7/10
Finn Azaz - 7/10
Ryan Manning - 6/10
Sam Edozie - N/A
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