A first-half hat-trick from Ryan Seager helped Southampton reach the final of the Under-21 Premier League Cup with a 4-2 victory over Derby County in a thrilling semi-final at St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday.
Despite falling behind early on, Martin Hunter’s side had a place in the final against Blackburn all but wrapped up after half an hour, thanks to Seager’s treble and Sam Gallagher’s first of the season.
Derby made a bright start and were awarded a penalty after just three minutes. Winger Ivan Calero weaved his way into the box before being caught by Saints right-back Niall Mason.
Paulo Gazzaniga produced an outstanding save down low to his right to deny the 19-year-old from the resulting spot-kick.
The Rams continued to press with the lively Calero causing more trouble for the Saints defence.
The Spaniard drifted in from the right before teeing up Tom Koblenz who found the top corner with a 25-yard drive.
The Saints responded brilliantly to going behind and found themselves back level again less than a minute later.
Seager’s purposeful drive into the box was halted and the ball ran loose for the well-placed Gallagher to tuck away his first since returning from injury, after just 7 minutes.
Saints made it 2-1 after 13 minutes, as Gallagher’s teasing cross from the right was headed home by Seager for his first.
But incredibly Derby equalised with a fourth goal of the opening 15 minutes when Callum Guy drilled in from 20-yards after more good work from Calero.
However the lead didn’t last long, as the outstanding Seager claimed the match ball with over an hour still to play.
First, Jake Sinclair charged through the defence before playing a perfectly-weighted pass through to the striker, who slotted past Jonathan Mitchell to put Saints back in-front.
Mason then made amends for the early penalty by assisting the 19-year-old with his third, putting the ball on a plate for the forward who tapped in from close-range after 27 minutes.
After an incredible first-half, the home side took their foot off the pedal. Dominic Gape produced a smart stop from Mitchell with a well-measured volley.
Derby were allowed more time and possession in the second-half, but offered little in the final third. Max Lowe fired straight at Gazzaniga on the turn before Jamie Hanson curled a free-kick over the bar.
Martin Hunter’s side held on to secure a place in the final, where they will play Blackburn Rovers over two legs.
