Southampton beat West Brom three times in one year - 1975

The West Midlands opponents bore witness to a double dosing of slick performances from the South Coast team of 48 years ago.

In what was a major upset, Southampton secured an impressive 3-0 victory against the Baggies in a Second Division match that took place at The Hawthorns stadium during the evening of February 1, 1975.

Having achieved four consecutive victories at home without letting in a single goal, West Brom were teeming with confidence going into the match.

Then, on August 16, 1975, came another 3-0 thrashing of West Brom, one which ended an eight-year spell without an opening-day win for Saints.

A third clash that year between the two teams came on December 19, when Lawrie McMenemy's team achieved a 2-0 victory.

The match was particularly noteworthy, as the Baggies had not lost a single match at home all season before this game. Also, Saints had not tasted victory away from home.

In the end, West Brom achieved their goal of promotion to the top flight at season's close, despite losing home and away against Saints.

In the February 1975 fixture, Lawrie McMenemy gave 19-year-old Manny Andruszewski his first league appearance.

Hailing from Eastleigh, the youngster of Polish heritage was placed in central defence alongside Mel Blyth with Nick Holmes shifting to left back.

Hugh Fisher, who had been absent from midfield the prior month, was reinstated to his original position.

Daily Echo sports reporter Brian Hayward commented:

“The introduction of Andruszewski and the reshuffle was an undoubted success, the switch being achieved with no upset in rhythm at all.

“The centre back played with a maturity which belied his youth and inexperience.

“Holmes looked happier at full-back and Fisher used his experience expertly so the whole team benefitted, especially his midfield partners John Crabbe and Gerry O’Brien."

The goals all came in the second half; one from Peter Osgood, another by Mick Channon and the final being netted by Bobby Stokes.

Channon was the hero once again in the August clash when he slammed in a brace. Nick Holmes was also on target, and Peter Rodrigues made his debut after signing on a free from Sheffield Wednesday.

In the December fixture, Channon was back at it again with a spectacular away win. This time, David Peach got the ball rolling with the opening goal. Channon then followed up with another successful strike to seal the victory.

Saints went on to have their best-ever season at The Dell, winning 18 and only losing once to finish sixth.