WHAT HAPPENED
We slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Southampton in our opening Premier League 2 fixture on Friday.
Eight players remained in our starting XI from Tuesday’s Leasing.com Trophy win over Ipswich Town - but we were unable to match that same attacking intensity against the Saints.
The visitors started as the stronger side, yet it was Ben Cottrell who opened the scoring at the second time of asking, finishing from inside the area with his left foot.
Southampton continued to dominate play, though, pressing high up the pitch, and they came close to an equaliser before the break through Kayne Ramsey, who could only fire wide.
It was more of the same in the second half and Saints eventually grabbed their reward through Josh Sims, only for Ramsey to be dismissed for a second yellow card offence.
We should have kicked on and made our advantage count, but shortly after Kgagelo Chauke reacted first inside the area to give the visitors the lead for the first time.
Substitute Salah carved out a late chance to salvage a share of the spoils, but Harry Lewis was on hand to produce a fine diving save.
WHAT’S NEXT
We have the chance to bounce back against Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, September 18.
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