Robins go toe to toe with Southampton B

Saturday 9th July Pre-season friendly. Att: 490 Frome 2 Southampton B 2

FROME Town went toe to toe with Southampton B in the blistering heat in a hugely enjoyable match at the Hill.

The match started off at a fast pace with slick passing moves from both sides, with the Robins having a strong penalty claim denied after Jon Davies was bought down, only for a few mins later to see Ollis use his quick feet to turn inside and be felled.  

Davies stepped up to put the ball firmly past keeper Olly Wright. Wright, who is from Frome, had an excellent half pulling off a string of saves was unlucky as he parried a shot from close range into the path of Owen Humphries who put Town 2-0 up.  

Southampton struck back, capitalising on a communication error that led to Kyle Phillips being left in no man’s land and allowing Will Ferry to score.  

The second half rang the changes as Southampton B changed all 11 outfield players whilst Town made three changes, such was the difference in squad depths. If Frome shaded the first half, the second was much more equal and well fought. Kyle Phillips was on hand to make a couple of great saves from distance but as the heat and tiredness kicked in, a misplaced pass saw Southampton equalise with 10 minutes to go. 

Two big chances came for the Robins, as a Maidment free kick was fumbled over the touch line and a late goal was disallowed for a push on the Southampton keeper.  

It was great to see young academy keeper Tom Roberts make his first ever appearance in the last five mins and he pulled off a smart save to keep the sides level. Academy striker Lucas Schwalbe-Goodwin also featured for the final 10 minutes.