Saints advance in the FA Cup after last-gasp penalty | OneFootball

Southampton secured a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round victory at Craven Cottage, defeating Fulham 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty that sent the Championship side into the quarter-finals.

For much of the evening the tie lacked clear chances, with the hosts struggling to find creativity, particularly in the absence of injured winger Harry Wilson. Marco Silva’s heavily rotated side also appeared short of rhythm, allowing Southampton to remain competitive throughout.

The visitors arguably created the better openings in the first half. Leo Scienza went closest when he raced clear after a quick break but dragged his effort wide, while Fulham were left frustrated when Rodrigo Muniz had a close-range finish ruled out after the referee judged the goal-kick that led to the chance had been taken while the ball was still moving.

The Cottagers improved after the interval and began to apply greater pressure. Ryan Sessegnon tested the Southampton defence with a powerful strike, while Muniz also headed over from a promising position as the hosts pushed for a breakthrough.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Finn Azaz timed his run well to stay onside before being caught inside the penalty area by Joachim Andersen.

Ross Stewart stepped up and drove the spot-kick low into the corner, leaving Benjamin Lecomte with no chance and sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters.

The late goal secured a memorable victory for Southampton and ensured a Championship representative will feature in the FA Cup quarter-final draw.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

15':

Missed opportunity. Tom Cairney from Fulham takes a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the goal and to the right.

19':

Missed opportunity. Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham directed a header from the center of the penalty area after a set piece.

22':

Missed opportunity. Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area after a corner kick.

22':

Missed opportunity! Léo Scienza from Southampton took a right-footed shot from the center of the penalty area, but it goes just to the right of the goal. He was set up by Finn Azaz after a quick counterattack.

30':

Missed opportunity. Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham took a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

47':

Missed opportunity. Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham directed a header from the middle of the penalty area, but it went wide.

51':

Missed opportunity. Tom Cairney from Fulham took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

56':

Missed opportunity. Harrison Reed from Fulham takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the bar and to the left.

66':

Missed opportunity! Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham took a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area, but it went wide.

Fulham 0, Southampton 1. Ross Stewart from Southampton scores the penalty with a right-footed strike into the bottom left corner.

90 +1':

GOALSouthampton: Ross Stewart (Southampton) scores penalty-kick!

Ross Stewart scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match