Two Hampshire sides trailed 2–0 and 3–0 at half-time in the Midlands last Tuesday. Both would need to rewrite their record books to complete remarkable comebacks and snatch three points from the jaws of defeat.
Southampton
Southampton found themselves 3-0 down to Leicester City inside 30 minutes, their five-game unbeaten run seemingly on the brink. What Tonda Eckert said at half-time may never be known, but the response was emphatic. Ross Stewart, introduced at the break, ignited the comeback with a 61st-minute strike before setting up the dramatic finale. Southampton’s captain Jack Stephens sidewinding strike that ripped the roof of the net instilled fear into the vulnerable Foxes and by the 87th minute, substitute Ryan Manning had levelled the contest. Then, deep into stoppage time, Shea Charles, another half-time change, completed the turnaround with a 96th-minute winner.
Eastleigh
Eastleigh were two down against Solihull Moors at half-time but by the 49th minute had levelled the scoring when Harvey Saunders and Sam Pearson got themselves on the scoresheet.
With relegation fears intensifying and just three points separating them from danger, Scott Bartlett turned to his bench, sending on James Waite in search of a decisive moment. Introduced in the 70th minute, Waite made an immediate impact. His first meaningful involvement saw him win possession outside the box, surge into the area with eyes fixed on goal, and unleash a shot that took a deflection beyond Laurie Walker, sealing all three points for the Hampshire side.
It was a historic night for both clubs, each rewriting their own record books. For Southampton, it marked the first time they had ever won a match after trailing 3–0. For Eastleigh, it was their first away victory after falling 2–0 behind.
Southampton and Eastleigh are not the only sides to have staged historic comebacks. Another South Coast club was responsible for one of the greatest Premier League fight backs of all time joining an elusive four team list of teams to ever do this.
AFC Bournemouth
13 March 2024. The Vitality Stadium. 3–0 down at half-time to relegation-threatened Luton Town, Bournemouth were staring at humiliation. The Cherries had it all to do in the second half, a tough task at hand to become the first team in 21 years to win a Premier League game after being three goals behind at half-time.
Within 20 minutes of the restart, Bournemouth had levelled the score. Goals from Dominic Solanke, Illia Zabarnyi and Antoine Semenyo dragged the Cherries back from the brink and ensured at least a point.
But they were not finished. With six minutes remaining, Semenyo, now of Manchester City, capped one of the Premier League’s most remarkable turnarounds, blasting home the winner after Luton gave the ball away in their own half.
Brighton
May 18, 2021. The Amex Stadium. Even against 10 men, Brighton & Hove Albion found themselves 2–0 down to Manchester City and staring at another frustrating night. Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden had put the champions in control despite Joao Cancelo’s red card.
But the numerical advantage eventually told. Leandro Trossard sparked the revival before Adam Webster rose highest to level the contest in the 72nd minute. Just four minutes later, Dan Burn completed the turnaround, forcing home the winner to seal a stunning 3–2 victory.
It ended City’s record-breaking away run and delivered one of the South Coast’s most memorable Premier League fightbacks.
AFC Totton
30th April, 2025. Snows Stadium. AFC Totton hosted Dorchester Town in the Southern League Premier Division play-off semi-final. Jimmy Ball’s side were 2–0 down deep into stoppage time and on the brink of elimination. Scott Rendell gave them hope from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, and what followed bordered on the surreal. Tony Lee struck in the seventh minute of added time to level the tie, then completed the turnaround three minutes later to put Totton 3–2 ahead.
Dorchester were not finished, Jack Dickson equalising to force extra time. But in the 119th minute, veteran striker Charlie Austin bundled home from close range to seal one of the most astonishing comebacks in the club’s history.
Portsmouth
Lastly it was rumoured that Portsmouth once came back from 1-0 down to secure a point in additional time once upon a time! However despite this incredible achievement they do have a 4-0 bottle job lead blown at the hands of Fulham on their CV.
One of the most extraordinary collapses and comeback in English football came at the expense of Portsmouth.
Pompey were 4–0 up inside 39 minutes at Fratton Park against promotion rivals Fulham and seemingly out of sight. What followed defied belief. The Cottagers clawed their way back in the second half, reducing the deficit before piling on late pressure.
Deep into stoppage time, a penalty presented defender Kevin Lock with the chance to complete the unthinkable. He converted from 12 yards to seal a 4-4 draw one of the most astonishing fight backs in Football League history.
