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Poortvliet 'proud' of youngsters
Southampton, 14:27, September 15, 2008 ,
Jan Poortvliet said he was "proud" of his young Southampton side in the wake of their 4-1 drubbing against QPR at Loftus Road.
Dexter Blackstock was the star of the show with a double against his old club but Poortvliet was left to rue a red card shown to 19-year-old defender Ollie Lancashire on the half-hour mark on his first senior appearance for a foul on Damien Delaney.
Rookie midfielder Adam Lallana did get Saints back on level terms but the R's were soon back in front thanks to a controversial offside Damion Stewart effort and Poortvliet admitted it was an uphill task after that.
"It was frustrating and disappointing, but I'm proud of the boys," said Poortvliet, who started with nine players aged 22 and under.
"With 10 men they did a great job and never gave up. But the second goal killed us."