Report: Southampton U23s 1-2 Bristol City U23s

The striker continued his electric start to the campaign as Jamie McAllister’s side won a tough encounter in the PL2 Cup. 

McCoulsky has spent the first two months on loan at Weston-super-Mare, scoring an incredible eight goals. His loan is due to expire next week, but with no fixture for Weston this weekend, McCoulsky linked up with the Under-23s to devastating effect. 

After a goalless first half, McCoulsky headed the opener from a Joe Morrell’s corner in the 55th minute, floating the ball back across goal and inside the far post. 

The same double act provided City’s second goal four minutes from time, with McCoulsky guiding his latest header inside the near post. 

Thomas O’Connor reduced the deficit in stoppage time for the hosts, but it proved no more than a consolation. 

It means have made a perfect start to their PL2 Cup four-team round robin group, consisting of the Saints, Newcastle United and Swansea City. 

Coach Jamie McAllister said: “We pressed them high, especially in the second half. It was a proper team performance all over the pitch. 

“We’d worked on our set-pieces because they mark zonally and Shawn got his head to the deliveries brilliantly. 

“That was us at it tonight and the boys have set the standard now. That type of performance has been coming and that was brilliant.” 

City Under-23s: Wollacott, Challis, Lyons-Foster, Harris, Kelly, Lemonheigh-Evans, Morrell, Difford (Edwards), Andrews, Nurse (Omofe), McCoulsky.