Southampton avoided a potential upset by securing a 1-0 away win at Northampton Town in the English Football League Cup first round on August 13, 2025. The Championship side, expected to progress, were made to work hard for their victory by a determined League Two opponent at Sixfields Stadium. The only goal of the game came in the first half, with Southampton's superior quality finally telling as they broke down a resolute Cobblers defense. Northampton fought valiantly and had chances to equalize, but Southampton's defense held firm under pressure to see out the result. The Saints march on, but they were given a stern test by a competitive Northampton side.