Tuesday 25th August 2009

Saints played well tonight and were unfortunate to get knocked out of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 at home to Birmingham.
Southampton outplayed their Premier league counterparts and heavy pressure paid off just after half time when Adam Lallana curled a well struck shot into the top right corner. The home side looked like doubling their lead, but the Blues equalised against the run of play through Lee Bowyer on 76 minutes. Lee Carsley grabbed a late winner from close range for Birmingham and after that Saint's heads dropped and there was no way back into the game.
Most worringly for Saints is the injury to right back Greame Murty, who faces a long spell on the sidelines with what looks like knee ligament damage. Murty was stretchered off the pitch with oxygen in the second half.
The result wasn't right, but I didn't have high expectations for tonight so I'm pleased Saints managed to outplay a Premier league side.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Made some good saves, two particularly good ones from free kicks.

Greame Murty - 7 - Was coping well with Birmingham attack until horrific looking injury, result may have been different if he stayed on the pitch.

Chris Perry - 7 - Was usually in the right place at the right time to clear most danger.

Wayne Thomas - 6 - Did OK, but not as competent in the air as Trotman was on Saturday.

Dan Harding - 8 - A real threat going forward and didn't neglect his defensive responsibilities.

Jacob Mellis - 6 - Showed some creative spark, but slightly lightweight.

Lloyd James - 6 - Looked much more comfortable in midfield before he was moved to right back.

Paul Wotton - 6 - Much better than last week's performance at Swindon, worked hard in midfield.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Great goal, but perhaps not as effective on the wing as he would be in central midfield.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Often out of position, drifted into midfield when he should be playing more forward.

Marek Saganowski - 7 - Worked hard, but is that because he's looking to move before the transfer window closes?

Subs-

Simon Gillett (on for Murty) - 6 - Saw little of the ball and didn't get characteristically stuck in.

Morgan Schneiderlin (on for Wotton) - 6 - Didn't provide the attacking threat that was needed after going 2-1 down.

Matt Patterson (on for Saganowski) - 6 - Made little impact when brought on late.

Saints travel to Stockport on Saturday and I'm sure if they play as well as they did tonight then they will finally get their first league win of the season.