Brighton under-21s narrowly beaten by Southampton

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First half goal condemns Albion to defeat.

Charlie Hanson

2026-01-16T20:55+00:00

Albion are next in action on Tuesday. 📸 by Southampton FC.

Albion were beaten on their Premier League 2 return after the winter break as they lost 1-0 to Adam Lallana’s Southampton Under-21s.

The former Brighton midfielder took charge of the Saints’ academy side in November, with his team grabbing the only goal of Friday night’s game through defender Tommy Dobson-Ventura.

The hosts enjoyed the early chances as Romeo Akachukwu saw his low drive kept out by Sebastian Jensen and the follow up shot cleared of the line by Noel Atom.

Akachuku would play a vital role in Saints’ goal though as he flicked on Sufianu Sillah Dibaga's cross for Dobson-Ventura to steer in from six yards.

Albion should have equalised towards the end of the opening half when Kofi Shaw’s cross was met by Nehemiah Oriola at the back post, but he struck the base of the woodwork from a few yards out.

Noel Atom cleared a shot off the line early in the contest. 📸 by Southampton FC.

Jensen kept Albion in the game with an hour played as he excellently denied Nicholas Oyekunle whose first-time shot from close range cannoned back off the forward and went behind for a goal-kick.

A late second yellow card for Brandon Charles wasn't enough to turn the tide in Albion's favour, with Freddie Simmonds's header from Sean Keogh's cross an easy catch for keeper Dylan Moody.

Shannon Ruth's team return to action on Tuesday night as they take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Premier League International Cup.