Southampton 2-3 Norwich U21s: Mundle-Smith inspires comeback

The Canaries found themselves 2-0 down at the interval against a Saints side containing four first-team options as well as Noel Buck, who City targeted in the summer prior to his move to St Mary's. 

A second-half comeback, sparked by Mundle-Smith, was finished by Finley Welch with 11 minutes to play to ensure City left Staplewood with three Premier League Two points against the odds. 

City's side included Brad Hills and the trio of deadline-day signings: AJ Bridge, Billy Gee, and Brandon Forbes, all of whom received their first starts for Alan Neilson's men. Jonathan Tomkinson and Jaden Warner also formed part of Norwich's backline. 

Southampton raced out of the blocks, with both Buck and Ryan Manning seeing efforts flash wide at the target. City then had Caleb Ansen to thank for denying Prince Ehibhatiomhan from close range on 28 minutes before Tomkinson was alert to clear the danger. 

Two goals in four minutes gave City a mountain to climb, with Ehibhatiomhan netting the first on 32 minutes after scrambling in a corner that Norwich failed to clear before a defensive mix-up gifted Jay Robinson the chance to double the hosts' advantage before the break. 

City emerged from the break energised and were awarded a penalty when Mundle-Smith was fouled by Saints keeper Joe Lumley after impressive work from midfielder Uriah Djedje. The striker stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to halve the deficit.

It was through Mundle-Smith that City restored parity. The 18-year-old latched onto a loose ball before applying a smart finish to equalise on 77 minutes. 

Finley Welch's goal completed the Norwich City comeback. (Image: Martyn Haworth/Focus Images Ltd) City had the momentum from there, and two minutes later Mundle-Smith and Bridge combined to tee up Welch, who superbly found the far corner to complete a remarkable second-half comeback. 

Neilson's side are now preparing for a Carrow Road double header next week. They host Sparta Prague in the opening game of the Premier League International Cup before facing Manchester United next Friday. 

Southampton U21 (4-3-3): Lumley; Abu, Armitage, Edwards, Larios (Lett, 62); O'Brien-Whitmarsh, Manning, Buck (Charles, 61); Amo-Ameyaw, Robinson (Dipepa, 46); Ehibhatiomhan (MacLeod, 72). Subs not used: Adli (GK)

- Goals: Ehibhatiomhan 32, Robinson 36

- Booked: Abu 58, Dipepa 68, O'Brien-Whitmarsh 75, MacLeod 83

Norwich City U21 (4-3-3): Ansen; Tomkinson, Hills (Wilson, 72), Warner, Mahovo; Djedje, Gee (Manning, 62), Bridge; Forbes (Ogwuru, 62), Welch; Mundle-Smith. Subs not used: Finch (GK)

- Goals: Mundle-Smith 61 (pen) 77, Welch 79

- Booked: Djedje 11, Mundle-Smith 39, Gee 44, Mahovo 67, Ansen 90+3

- Time added on: 1 min/6 mins