Wedneday 30th September 2009

Saints unbeaten home record came to an abrupt end last night after losing 3-2 to high flying Bristol Rovers. The visitors fell behind twice, but were able to stay in the game and grab a winner with virtually the last kick of the game.
Southampton started the brighter side and deservedly took the lead on 34 minutes when Adam Lallana finished from close range after some good build up play. But Rovers pulled themselves level before the end of the first half, with Chris Dickson rounding Kelvin Davis to comfortably slot home.
Saints went ahead for a second time early in the second half, with Papa Waigo being credited with his first goal for the club, making sure the ball went over the line after Rickie Lambert's header had hit the bar. After the game the referee confirmed the ball had already crossed the line before Waigo touched it, but the crowd at St Marys were not too fussed and enjoyed seeing the Senegalese international celebrate with his trademark dance.
However, Bristol Rovers equalised for a second time on the night when Jo Kuffour took advantage of Saint's complete failure to deal with a left wing cross to make it 2-2.
Both sides had opportunities to take the three points, but it was Rovers who went home with the victory, Andy Williams scoring from a great long range effort in the 5th minute of stoppage time.
From a Saints point of view, there are some real concerns over the team's inability to kill off the game. Both times after taking the lead, the players seemed happy just to sit back and let the opposition attack when they should have been pressing for further goals.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 5 - Was caught out of position for Rover's first goal. Everyone makes mistakes, but when the 'keeper does it proves to be more costly.

Lloyd James - 6 - Played some good balls into the Rover's box, but was playing too far forward for a right back.

Neal Trotman - 6 - Competent, but didn't deal with the threat for Rover's second goal.

Radhi Jaidi - 6 - Dominated in the air, however there are some concerns over his lack of pace.

Dan Harding - 6 - Worked tirelessly as always, error prone at times though.

Papa Waigo N'diaye - 7 - Always an attacking threat, caused problems for Bristol Rovers down the right wing.

Dean Hammond - 6 - Was booked for diving, then didn't back quick enough to help prevent Rover's first goal.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 6 - Some good long range passing, but didn't have a huge effect in the middle of the park.

Jacob Mellis - 5 - Did plenty of running, but was terrible every time he got the ball.

Adam Lallana - 7 - A great composed finish for the first goal, was Saints main creative spark.

Rickie Lambert - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Was heavily involved in both goals against his former club.

Subs-

Joseph Mills (on for Mellis) - 6 - Didn't have much effect on the game.

Marek Saganowski (on for Waigo) - 6 - Never really got going.

Paul Wotton (on for Schneiderlin) - 6 - Worked hard when brought on for the last few minutes, but couldn't help prevent the late winner.

So after grabbing a late equaliser away to Carlisle on Saturday, last night it was Saint's turn last night to feel the pain of conceding in stoppage time. I'm sure I'm not the only one worried about the player's fitness and concentration, the majority of goals conceded this season have been towards the end of the game.
We go into October still on minus points, not what we were expecting at the beginning of the season but a win at home to Gillingham on Saturday will finally put Saints into plus figures.

Apologies if there are a few inaccuracies, the Saints official website is down, so I haven't been able to check the match facts, all of this is written from my memory of last night's game.