Cleverley furious after Downes hits late, late winner
FLYNN DOWNES kept Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes alive with a controversial late winner that left Hornets caretaker boss Tom Cleverley raging.
After Saints had let a two-goal lead slip, Downes struck in the ninth minute of stoppage time – despite only seven having been displayed on the board.
Referee Josh Smith allowed both a free-kick and a corner to be taken after the extra time elapsed and Downes also controlled the ball with his arm before poking home.
Interim Watford boss Cleverley said: “The one I am really frustrated about is the corner being taken after the 98th minute.
“The handball could be a genuine mistake but the fact that corner gets delivered is a worry. It should never happen and that’s where you need strong officiating.
“They could argue the top referees should be in charge of these games with the stakes so big.”
Leading scorer Adam Armstrong’s cross from the left made it a 12th assist of the season as Will Smallbone rose to head past Daniel Bachmann.
And the home side doubled their advantage after 20 minutes as David Brooks set up Scotland forward Che Adams, who could not miss. Watford got
Porteous 34, Kone 85 back in the game in the 34th minute as centre-back Ryan Porteous scored via a deflection off Jack Stephens.
Saints sub Ryan Fraser saw an effort disallowed for offside. And then Ismael Kone stroked in the leveller with five minutes left – before the late drama and Downes’ second goal of the campaign.
Saints boss Russell Martin said: “This league is carnage. It was a good day for us in the end with the other results. We are fighting and chasing for everything.”
Martin also confirmed he is being sued by his former club Swansea for breach of contract, adding: “I don’t think it’s the people at the club, it’s the people who own the club, probably a bit personal and that’s their prerogative.”
SOUTHAMPTON: Bazunu 6; Bree 7 (Manning (71) 6), Stephens 6, Harwoodbellis 6, Walker-peters 7; Smallbone 7 (Bednarek (79) 6), Downes 8, Aribo 6 (S Armstrong (56) 6); A Armstrong 7, Adams 7 (Mara (79) 6), Brooks 7 (Fraser (56) 6)
WATFORD: Bachmann 6; Pollock 6 (Andrews (62) 7), Hoedt 6, Porteous 7, Lewis 6 (Morris (62) 7); Kayembe 6, Dele-bashiru 4 (Kone (46) 7); Asprilla 7, Bayo 6 (Rajovic (78) 6), Chakvetadze 7; Dennis 5 (Martins (62) 6)
STAR MAN: Flynn Downes – Tireless midfield work and a priceless winner.
REF: Josh Smith 5