Ward-Prowse: Groningen were a good test for us

Southampton beat the Eredivisie side 1-0 yesterday, in the final match of their trip to the Netherlands, in what proved to be their toughest test of the week.

Saints had to contend with some early pressure from their Dutch opponents at the Euroborg stadium, although they began to exert control after the hosts had Hans Hateboer dismissed late in the first half for a second booking, with the extra man eventually telling when Charlie Austin headed the winner with 15 minutes remaining.

With wins over PEC Zwolle and FC Twente earlier in the week, Ward-Prowse felt it was a good way to finish off a successful tour.

"We’re very pleased,” he told youtube.com/southamptonfc, as he reflected on the week.

“I think for us it was obviously making sure we got the best out of the week and making sure we maximised our training, and we obviously got good results and performances in games, and I think we've improved game by game.

“I think Groningen was our toughest game, but I think overall we're happy with the week that we've had.

"It was a shame they couldn't keep 11 on the pitch, because I think that would have made it a bit more of a fair test, but I think the lads showed their qualities and I think we deserved the win and improved on the performance as well.”