Super Eagles ace Joe Aribo was in action for entire duration of the match as Southampton hit Blackpool 2-1 to advance Saturday in the FA Cup.It was however Frenchman and teammate Perraud that grabbed a brace to seal victory at St Mary’s Stadium. Blackpool have Charlie Patino to thank for grabbing consolation goal.
Romain Perraud is the first player other than James Ward-Prowse to score a direct free-kick for Southampton since Cedric Soares against Manchester United in December 2018
Romain Perraud scored either side of half-time as Southampton survived a fightback by Championship strugglers Blackpool to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
Perraud, on set-piece duties in the absence of captain James Ward-Prowse, broke the deadlock with a thumping effort into the far corner midway through the first half.
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The 25-year-old left-back doubled his and Saints’ tally just after the hour mark, collecting Sekou Mara’s return pass before finishing confidently past visiting goalkeeper Chris Maxwell.
Blackpool, playing their first game under new manager Mick McCarthy, twice went close to cancelling out Perraud’s opener but Gerry Yates and Ian Poveda both failed to make the most of good opportunities.
Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino converted Yates’ pass to reduce the arrears with just under 25 minutes left, but Nathan Jones’ team held on.
Saints, who are through to the fifth round for the third time in four seasons, will discover their opponents when the draw is made on Monday, 30 January.