Scintillating EDS put seven past Saints

Yet another mesmerizing performance from Enzo Maresca‘s side saw Callum Doyle and Adrian Bernabe find the net, whilst Felix Nmecha also netted a brace.

The in-form Liam Delap scored a superb hat-trick to continue his remarkable goal-scoring form, and round off a quite incredible performance from the City youngsters.

Delap has now scored a remarkable 13 league goals in his last six games, bringing his league tally for the season to 19.

The victory sees Maresca’s side regain our five point advantage at the top of the Premier League 2 table, as we enter the final six games of the campaign.

WHAT HAPPENED

After an even start it was City who had the first real opportunity of the match 10 minutes in.

A nice team move allowed Cole Palmer to deliver the ball into Delap from the right, however the front man guided his effort from six yards just over the bar.

Moments later Delap had another golden opportunity to open the scoring, as he beat the offside trap to get in behind the Saints defence. 

This time he was denied by Southampton goalkeeper, Jack Bycroft as Delap‘s one-on-one effort from the edge of the box was well saved by the Saints’ number one.

Despite two early misses, the City forward was in no mood to end his recent magnificent goal-scoring run as he finally found the opener on the half-hour mark.

A trademark Tommy Doyle corner, found Delap at the back post and he headed in for his 11th goal in his last six league games.

Doyle and Delap combined once again just a minute before the break, as the City captain played a neat flick over the top for Delap, who saw his first time effort well saved by the on-rushing Bycroft.

It didn’t take long for Maresca’s side to get going in the second half, as we doubled our lead five minutes after the restart.

A Tommy Doyle corner was recycled by James McAtee and put back into the box for Callum Doyle, who coolly slotted in from 10-yards for his first Premier League 2 goal of the season.

Maresca’s side had been in rampant goal-scoring form of late, netting an incredible 16 goals in our previous four games, and that free-scoring form continued apace.

Delap added his second and City’s third, 10 minutes into the second half, after he latched onto a Sam Edozie through ball and slotted past an out-stretched Bycroft.

A minute later we then had our fourth, as a loose ball fell to Bernabe on the edge of the box and the Spaniard smashed a fierce effort into the bottom corner to cap off a stunning start to the second half.

Caleb Watts did rescue some pride for the visitors as he pulled back a consolation, after a curling an impressive effort from 20-yards into the top corner.

Despite the three goal-advantage City did not hold off, as Delap completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes left after bundling in from six yards. for his 19th league goal of the season

Just two minutes later it was substitute, Nmecha’s turn to find the net as he scored a quickfire brace inside five minutes from close range to finish off a goal scoring masterclass from Maresca’s youngsters.

HOW WE LINED UP

Cieran Slicker‘s goal was protected by a back four of Alpha Dionkou, Claudio Gomes, Callum Doyle and Adrian Bernabe.

Romeo Lavia, Tommy Doyle and James McAtee formed our midfield, whilst Sam Edozie and Cole Palmer occupied the left and wing.

Liam Delap led the line up-front.

WHAT IT MEANS

The victory means City remain at the top of the Premier League 2 table, five points ahead of second place, Blackburn Rovers.

UP NEXT

Maresca’s side return to action on Sunday 21 March, as we take on Chelsea away from home at 10:30am (UK).