There was a pause in play after half an hour as Downes and James Abankwah came together in a nasty-looking collision. The Southampton midfielder came off worse out of the two players and then spent a lengthy period of time on the ground before receiving treatment. The visitors' best chance came just before the break as the Hornets sprung on the counter-attack, working the ball to Giorgi Chakvetadze who fired narrowly over. The home support were signing his name in the moments after the goal, delighted at his contribution. Southampton were denied a penalty in added time as Sam Edozie looked to be wrestled to the floor in the box but referee Bell waved away the appeals.

Source: BBC February 07, 2026 22:26 UTC