📝 Southampton salvage draw in latest pre-season outing | OneFootball

Southampton avoided back-to-back defeats in their latest pre-season friendly against Göztepe.

Scorers: Kayan 26′; Alcaraz 64′

Russell Martin’s side had suffered a midweek loss to Benfica prior to making the trip to face the Turkish second-tier outfit.

The Saints were forced into an early change as Kamari Doyle had to replace Moussa Djenepo before kick-off due to illness.

Matters worsened early in the first half as Yalçın Kayan handed the hosts the lead by beating Gavin Bazunu at his near post.

A potential lifeline appeared after the interval at the Doganlar Stadium when Sékou Mara was tripped in the penalty area.

But James Ward-Prowse spurned his ensuing effort from the spot horribly off target after slipping during his run-up.

Southampton would later pull level through Charly Alcaraz’s half-volley within moments of coming on as a substitute.

The Championship returnees take on Reading, Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar before their 4 August season opener at Sheffield Wednesday.