Southampton’s pre-season campaign is in full swing as they prepare for the upcoming Championship season with a series of promising performances and strategic friendlies, including a behind-closed-doors match against Spanish Segunda División side CD Castellón. The Saints have already secured three wins in their pre-season fixtures, showcasing a youthful and dynamic squad under the guidance of coach Will Still.
On July 23, 2025, Southampton announced the availability of paid livestreams for their friendlies in Spain, allowing supporters worldwide to watch the team’s progress despite the matches being played behind closed doors. The first of these matches, against CD Castellón, kicked off at 10 am BST and was accessible via Saints Play for a fee of £5. This initiative not only keeps fans connected but also offers a comprehensive viewing experience, including live blogs, player ratings, and detailed match reports provided by the Daily Echo, which is covering the training camp from Girona.
Southampton’s pre-season form has been impressive. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over National League side Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium, followed by wins against Gillingham and Valenciennes in a unique double-header format at Staplewood. These results have built momentum and confidence within the squad as they prepare for the challenges of the Championship season ahead.
Meanwhile, across the country, Crawley Town faced a testing encounter against a youthful Southampton side in their penultimate pre-season friendly, held just days before Southampton’s Spanish fixtures. Crawley started strong, taking the lead early in the 9th minute through midfielder Jack Roles, who marked his return from injury with a precise and powerful strike into the bottom corner. The Reds maintained pressure and came close to doubling their advantage, with Louis Flower narrowly missing a chance after a slick move involving Harry McKirdy.
However, Southampton’s youthful energy soon turned the tide. In the 22nd minute, Princewill Ehibhatiomhan capitalized on a perfectly timed through ball, exploiting a large gap in Crawley’s defense. With about 30 yards of open space ahead, Ehibhatiomhan executed a delicate chip over Crawley’s goalkeeper Harvey Davies, leveling the score and shifting the momentum in Southampton’s favor. Despite some careless passing from the visitors, they managed to hold on until halftime.
Southampton struck again early in the second half with a towering header that Crawley’s defense failed to clear off the line, giving the home side the lead. Crawley’s manager, Scott Lindsey, made several substitutions to refresh his squad, bringing on players like Dion Conroy, Jay Williams, Josh Flint, and Kyle Scott. The changes injected new energy, and Crawley pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Jack Roles thought he had restored parity with a well-taken goal on the hour mark, but the linesman’s flag ruled it out for offside, much to the frustration of the Crawley faithful. Kyle Scott also came close to scoring, only to see his shot cleared off the line by a determined Saints defender. Despite their efforts, Crawley Town ultimately fell to a youthful Southampton team that displayed a blend of skill, speed, and tactical awareness.
Looking ahead, Crawley Town is set to face Crystal Palace at the Broadfield Stadium in their final pre-season match on Friday, July 25, 2025. This game will be crucial for Lindsey’s squad as they finalize preparations for the competitive season.
Southampton, on the other hand, will continue their Spanish pre-season tour with another friendly against La Liga side RCD Espanyol on Saturday, July 26, 2025, also starting at 10 am BST. Match passes for this fixture are priced at £5 and are available exclusively to UK viewers due to broadcasting rights restrictions. Fans interested in supporting the Saints throughout the 2025/26 season can also purchase men’s season tickets, which are currently limited in availability. Memberships are offered at £30 for adults and £20 for juniors, providing early ticket access and various club discounts.
Coach Will Still’s strategy of blending youth with experience is beginning to show promising results, as evidenced by the team’s unbeaten pre-season record and their ability to adapt and compete against different styles of opposition. The club’s commitment to engaging fans through digital platforms like Saints Play ensures that supporters remain connected, even when matches are held behind closed doors or overseas.
As Southampton continues to build towards the Championship season, the combination of strong pre-season performances, strategic friendlies, and fan engagement initiatives sets a positive tone for what lies ahead. Meanwhile, Crawley Town’s spirited display against the Saints highlights the competitive nature of pre-season preparations across English football, where every match serves as a valuable test ahead of the new campaign.
With both teams focusing on their respective goals, the coming weeks promise exciting developments as the season approaches. Fans can look forward to more action, whether it’s watching Southampton’s progress in Spain or witnessing Crawley Town’s final warm-up clash against Crystal Palace at home.
