Bree header fires Southampton into FA Cup fifth round after extra-time win over Leicester
Southampton edged Leicester 2-1 after extra time on Feb. 14, 2026 (ET), James Bree nodding home the decisive goal in the 109th minute to send the hosts into the FA Cup fifth round. Cyle Larin gave Southampton the lead from the penalty spot before Oliver Skipp levelled early in the second half, and the tie needed extra time to be settled.
How the match unfolded
It was a cautious opening, with few meaningful chances in the early stages. The breakthrough came right before half-time when Sam Edozie was felled in the area and Cyle Larin converted the penalty in stoppage time to put Southampton ahead.
Leicester responded after the interval. In the 52nd minute Oliver Skipp produced a spectacular acrobatic volley to level and force the contest into a tense second half. Both sides made multiple personnel changes as the game progressed; Southampton leaned on a mix of experienced heads and youngsters, while Leicester also rotated their squad.
The match remained deadlocked through 90 minutes, and it was in extra time that a substitute became the matchwinner. James Bree, who had been introduced from the bench, rose to head home in the 109th minute and spark wild celebrations among the home support. The visitors pushed to reply but could not find a way through the Saints’ defence.
Rotation, youth and key moments
Southampton manager selected a heavily rotated side, making ten changes from the team's midweek league meeting with the same opponents. Larin was one of the few players retained and repaid that faith with the penalty that opened the scoring. Oriol Romeu made his first start since re-signing for the club, while Ryan Manning captained the side and produced a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half after the goalkeeper parried a close-range attempt.
The host club gave senior debuts to local centre-back Tommy Dobson Ventura and winger Sufianu Sillah Dibaga, and the side finished the game with five academy players on the field — a clear sign of the squad’s depth and trust in youth when called upon. Leicester’s interim manager also shuffled his team, making six changes; one notable reintroduction was a player who had been dismissed in a previous meeting between the clubs earlier in the season.
Goalkeeper George Long made several important saves for the visitors, while Leicester defender Caleb Okoli conceded the penalty when he brought down Edozie in the box. Oliver Skipp’s levelling strike was the tie’s standout moment before Bree’s late header ultimately decided the outcome.
What it means next
Southampton will join the remaining clubs in the fifth-round draw and have the benefit of a longer break before returning to league action in six days. The victory offers a morale boost and underlines the flexibility of the squad, with academy players and new signings contributing in a high-pressure cup environment.
For Leicester, elimination ends their cup run and gives the team a chance to regroup and refocus on league commitments. The result piles late-season pressure on selection decisions and will raise questions about squad rotation and momentum following a dramatic league comeback earlier in the week.
Looking ahead, Southampton now prepare for the next domestic assignment with confidence from a hard-fought cup win, while Leicester must quickly reset as they continue their campaign in the league.
