Albion beat Saints behind closed doors

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Bruce Talbot

2025-08-02T12:15+01:00

Jeremy Sarmiento is congratulated by Ferdi Kadioglu after scoring against Southampton. 📷 by James Boardman.

A first-half goal from Jeremy Sarmiento earned Albion a hard-fought 1-0 win over Southampton.

The hour-long game was played behind closed doors prior to a second meeting between the clubs this afternoon.

Both Fabian Hurzeler and Will Still fielded strong XIs and there was a competitive element to the game throughout, which would have been just what both coaches would have wanted.

Facundo Buonanotte goes past his opponent in midfield. 📷 by James Boardman.

Albion lined up with Diego Coppola alongside Freddie Simmonds in central defence while skipper James Milner partnered Malick Yalcouye in central midfield with Danny Welbeck alongside Brajan Gruda up front.

Southampton threatened twice in the early stages. Ross Stewart dragged a shot wide of the far post with only Tom McGill to beat before the Albion keeper saved an effort from Kuryu Matsuki at the second attempt.

James Milner captained Albion in the hour-long game behind closed doors. 📷 by James Boardman.

But it was Albion who broke the deadlock after 19 minutes. Facundo Buonanotte did well to ride a couple of challenges on the right-hand side of the box, Brajan Gruda played the ball sideways and Jeremy Sarmiento lashed a right-foot shot into roof of the net.

Yugi Sugawara’s curling free kick from the edge of the box was pushed out by McGill five minutes after the break.

Danny Welbeck hurdles a challenge in the Southampton penalty area. 📷 by James Boardman.

There were fewer chances in the second 30 minutes but Albion worked a good free-kick routine wide on the right in the closing stages when Milner pulled the ball back to an unmarked Sarmiento on the edge of the box but his shot flew over.

In a strong finish by Albion Joel Veltman’s shot was blocked and Milner drove the loose ball just past the left-hand upright.