Woking thrashed Southampton’s under-21s 4-1 in the National League Cup at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on September 8.

A crowd of 232 saw Woking start positively. Steven Turner produced an important block inside the opening 10 minutes before Putman created an opportunity at the other end with a dangerous cross. Putman was involved again moments later, firing over from a promising position.

Southampton continued to find opportunities but Woking defended well. Turner made another strong block to concede a corner before Craig Ross was called into action a minute later, making a good save to deny the visitors.

In the 22nd minute Turner and Southampton’s Akachukwu were both shown yellow cards following an altercation after a shirt-pulling incident.

Southampton continued to threaten, with Gathercole forcing Ross into another save before Odusina made an important interception to stop a further attack.

Woking enjoyed more possession as the half progressed, with Timmy Akinola increasingly involved in midfield. The Cards worked the ball around the edge of the Southampton box before Putman created another opening with a quick switch of play.

The breakthrough arrived from the resulting corner in the 37th minute. Sohna delivered into the area and O’Brien converted to put Woking ahead.

Southampton responded and Ross produced another diving save in the 44th minute to preserve the advantage. However the visitors equalised shortly before the interval when Lewis Day reacted first inside a crowded penalty area.

The Cards regained the lead two minutes after the restart. Georgiou played the ball forward before Sohna produced an excellent first-time finish into the top corner.

Four minutes later Woking extended their advantage. Dulson collected the ball on the left, cut inside on to his right foot and finished clinically, with Timmy Akinola providing the assist.

Southampton responded with sustained pressure, forcing Woking back into their own half. Ross was called upon again, first palming away an effort before making another diving save.

Woking threatened on the counter. Josh Ayres saw an effort deflected, while Syla made a promising run towards goal. Sohna also tested the Southampton goalkeeper following another driving run from Akinola.

John Marquis came on as a substitute for Woking in the 72nd minute and his pressure helped to force an error from Southampton. A difficult ball into the area was turned into his own net by J Kayi Sanda in the 75th minute, extending Woking’s lead to 4-1.

Play was briefly halted following a collision between two Southampton players as the goal was scored.

There was a landmark moment for Woking late on, as Kemell Wilson replaced Tunji Akinola in the 84th minute to make his professional debut.

Southampton continued to look for a late goal, with Aston Daley testing Ross in the closing stages, but the Woking goalkeeper dealt with the remaining danger to preserve the three-goal advantage.

After six minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed a 4-1 victory for Woking. After going into the interval level, three second-half goals secured a convincing win for the Cards.

Timmy Akinola was recognised for an impressive performance in midfield, playing an important role as Woking took control of the contest after half-time.

Woking: Ross, Odusina, Tunji Akinola (Wilson 84), Ogie (Okoli 46), Putman, Timmy Akinola, Sohna, Turner (Syla 46), Georgiou, O’Brien (Dulson 46), Ayres (Marquis 72). Unused substitutes: Forster-Caskey, Verga.

By Sally-Ann Ofori