Saturday felt like more than just another cup tie, it felt like a reminder of what Southampton Football Club has always stood for.
For years Saints have been synonymous with youth development, the academy has produced players who have gone on to shine at the very highest level such as Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse.
That pathway from Staplewood to the first team and often beyond became central to the club's identity.
But in recent years that production line has felt quieter, opportunities for academy players have been fewer, and supporters have understandably questioned whether the club's greatest strength had been diluted.
Saturday's FA Cup win over Leicester City suggested otherwise.
Tonda Eckert took a bold approach, giving several young players opportunities in a high-pressure fixture and by the final whistle five academy products were on the pitch.
Cameron Bragg was one of those players, he ended up playing the entire game across 90 minutes and added time, and the young midfielder produced an assured and increasingly influential display.
He grew in confidence as the match wore, demanding possession and dictating the rhythm of play.
His composure under pressure stood out, as did his awareness and maturity - it was a performance that suggested Southampton may once again have a player capable of progressing far beyond his years.
What made the afternoon particularly encouraging was not just individual promise, but collective mentality and getting the job done to reach the next round.
It is one thing for a club to talk about youth development as part of its philosophy, it's another to demonstrate genuine trust when the stakes are high and Eckert deserves credit for aligning words with action.
The Saints identity has never been built purely on financial power or superstar signings, it has been built on pathways, patience, and on the courage to give young players their opportunity.
If Saturday was an indication of what is to come, the future at St Mary's may once again be shaped by its academy.
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