Here’s Nations United Coach Mat Hall’s match report for the player’s exciting trip to play another refugee football team in Southampton…

After a brilliant tour of Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, we headed to nearby Stoneham Lane Football Complex for a match against a refugee team from Southampton FC‘s charity, the Saints Foundation. 

On a hot day, it was always going to be a tough 90 minutes, but we set up with an attacking 532 formation and took a lead after 25 minutes through Moroccan Ash. A goal built from the backline, Nations United won the ball with tenacity and energy and eventually a piercing pass between the Saints’ defence made it through to the on-rushing Ash, who outpaced their defender and slipped it past the keeper expertly. A huge moment for us on arguably our biggest away day match thus far.

Celebrations were wild, but we were immediately brought down to Earth as Saints nearly scored with a similar through ball, but for the impressive Ahmed who made himself big and halted their striker, as he continued to do on numerous occasions, really keeping us in the game. 

The game remained tight with both sides having equally good chances, and it really could have gone either way, but the Saints scored two late goals to make it 2-1 to the home team.

Sofyan, who, in the heart of defence, showed incredible heart, determination, and quality on the ball and stopped many Saints attacks, was nominated as Man of the Match by both teams. 

The teams sportingly congratulated each other and medals were given to us, and Saints celebrated with the Cup. 

A huge thanks to Dave and the Saints Foundation team for hosting us, and coaches Mike, Heather and Ben for taking time off work to help transport the players and assist with all match day arrangements. It was a real honour to take our team to a Premier League stadium and to put on such a top performance, played in the right manner.

All in all a really amazing day!

– Mat Hall, Nations United Coach.