By Tim Hodges
Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Southampton 3
The Albion were given a lesson in finishing by Premier League Southampton at the Amex this evening (Wednesday 31 July).
Albion paraded their new orange and black kit. It was David Stockdale’s first game since he signed from Fulham for a reported £1 million on Monday, making him Albion’s costliest keeper signing since Perry Digweed started in goal back in 1981.
But it was the Serbian Dusan Tadic who put Southampton in front on 20 minutes.
Stockdale then made a number of saves to keep the scoreline respectable as the Seagulls struggled to contain the Saints.
Steven Davis planted a second for Southampton just before the break as the Saints went marching in 2-0 up at half time.
Albion introduced Craig Mackail-Smith in the second half as well as Bruno Saltor and Kazenga LuaLua.
Just after the hour James Ward-Prowse added a third for Southampton after dispossessing the Seagulls defence on the edge of the box.
LuaLua pulled back a consolation for the Albion with about 15 minutes to go, but the Albion fans in the sparse crowd will be concerned in relation to the Seagulls’ rather lacklustre performance.
