From the rubble to the Ritz? The stirring pre-match reception Southampton’s supporters gave their players left a wreckage of flares, smoke bombs, empties and cans but as fans exited a supercharged St Mary’s they departed with a trip to Wembley to plan.
Russell Martin’s side were given a heroes’ welcome and now they are one game from returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, a date with Leeds to prepare for a week on Sunday. Will Smallbone settled any lingering nerves, opening the scoring early in the second half, before Adam Armstrong struck twice late on, firing in with a precise strike before sealing victory from the penalty spot.
