Cardiff City 2-1 Southampton: Academy star Ashford nets dramatic late winner to seal stunning comeback victory

Academy product Cian Ashford produced a full Championship debut for the ages with a 96th-minute winner against Southampton as Cardiff City came back from a goal down to win 2-1 in dramatic fashion.

The Saints peppered Cardiff's goal for most of the match, but a combination of good saves from Ethan Horvath and wastefulness on the part of Southampton saw them score only once, through Joe Aribo just seven minutes in.

The more chances that were missed and the more time ticked on, it just felt like Cardiff could grab something. And they did, thanks to Famara Diedhiou's second-half equaliser. And then, when the game looked to be ticking towards a draw, up step Ashford, 19, deep into time-added-on, to produce the goods from 25 yards out. Incredible.

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An improbable result, particularly given how depleted Cardiff were - they dished out two league debuts and a full Championship debut - but huge credit must be given to Erol Bulut and his players. In the process, they dealt a seismic blow to Saints' automatic promotion hopes.

Ashford was handed his first league start, while the bench was packed with a load of academy youngsters and uncapped players.

The Bluebirds were forced into a number of changes, with 11 players out through injury and illness. It meant it was a bit of a rag-tag team, with Ollie Tanner named at left-back.

As you would perhaps expect, Saints dominated the ball and should have been out of sight by the time the half-time whistle even blew.

It took them only eight minutes to hit the post through Stuart Armstrong and 12 minutes to take the lead. Adam Armstrong chopped inside of Mahlon Romeo, who was also drafted into the side after being