Manning's stunner not enough as Southampton slip to defeat

Championship round-up: Ireland defender's long-range effort mere consolation as Norwich win while Preston keep up rich run of form

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025 - 14:48

Staff

Ryan Manning's superb goal wasn't enough to help Southampton as Jovon Makama scored a second-half brace as Norwich boosted their bid to pull out of the Championship relegation zone with a battling 2-1 victory at Carrow Road.

Leading the line in the absence of Josh Sargent, who was missing due to concussion protocols, Makama struck in the 48th and 61st minutes to sink a Saints side who had won five out of six going into the lunchtime kick-off.

Ireland international Manning had swiftly equalised for the visitors with a fine long-range effort but summer signing Makama had the final say with his sixth goal of an impressive campaign.

"Out of nothing!"

Ryan Manning puts Southampton on level terms! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/9EONXe8kgH
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 13, 2025

It might have been a different story had the Saints converted a first-half penalty, but goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic made a superb stop to thwart Adam Armstrong and set up a memorable second period for the hosts.

Meanwhile Jordan Storey and Daniel Jebbison struck a goal in each half to give high-flying Preston a 2-1 victory at Oxford and a fourth win in their last eight away Championship games.

Storey headed in Thierry Small's cross from four yards out at the far post in the 26th minute following a corner. The ball appeared to deflect in off Ciaron Brown's back but Storey was claiming it.

Canada international Jebbison then notched his fifth goal of the season as he converted Alfie Devine's cutback four minutes into the second half.

Oxford halved the deficit four minutes later when Brian De Keersmaecker beat a defender from Nic Prelec's pass and hammered home a left-footed drive, but Preston held on to their lead.

Elsewhere Ben Pearson and Sorba Thomas got the goals as Stoke ended their three-game winless run with a 2-1 victory at home to Swansea.

Defender Pearson hit a sweetly-struck opener late in the first half and Thomas got the second after an hour as the Potters collected only their second win in seven.