FA Cup

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FA Cup | Fifth Round

Feb 15, 2014 at 12.45pm UK

Sunderland
1-0
Southampton

Gardner (50')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Half-Time Report: Southampton, Sunderland all square

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter

Published: February 15 2014 | 13:34

Last updated: February 15 2014 | 14:24

Sunderland and Southampton play out a goalless first-half at the Stadium of Light in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Sunderland and Southampton have played out a goalless first-half at the Stadium of Light in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Victor Wanyama of Southampton marshalls Emanuele Giaccherini of Sunderland during the FA Cup fifth round match on February 15, 2014 © Getty Images

The Saints fashioned the first clear-cut attempt at goal, with Rickie Lambert nodding an Adam Lallana cross into the path of James Ward-Prowse, only for the youngster to see his effort saved by Oscar Ustari.

Mauricio Pochettino's troops may have found the breakthrough on 36 minutes if not for the intervention of Santiago Vergini, who produced a crucial interception to deny Lambert from reaching Nathaniel Clyne's cross.

The Black Cats spurned a good opportunity to edge ahead with five minutes remaining in the half, with Fabio Borini and Emanuele Giaccherini leading a swift counter-attack, but the Liverpool loanee failed to pick out his advancing compatriot.