Sunday 6th September 2009

Saints are still looking for their first league win of the season after drawing 0-0 at home to Colchester yesterday in a very boring game.
The visitors had Kemel Izzet sent off in the first half, but Saints failed to make the numerical advantage count and were reduced mainly to long shots.
This has been a very disappointing start to the season, no wins, four draws and two defeats, a win is desperately needed soon to build confidence at St Marys. New loan signing Papa Waigo was unveiled to the crowd before the game and most of us are hoping he can inspire his under performing team mates to victory. There was a real lack of creatively yesterday and the final ball into the box was always poor for Saints. On the plus side, things look to be improving defensively, with Neal Trotman playing well at centre back and new signing Radhi Jaidi will add steel to the back four.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 7 - Didn't have much to do, but as captain was constantly giving instructions to team mates trying to motivate them.

Wayne Thomas - 7 - Much better at right back than at centre back, looked a threat going forward.

Chris Perry - 7 - Dealt with rare Colchester attacks effectively, always in the right place at the right time at the back.

Neal Trotman - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Strong in the air and competent on the ground, hardly put a foot wrong.

Dan Harding - 6 - Did OK, but nearly gifted Colchester a goal with a poor clearance in the first half, resulting in them hitting the bar, which was their best chance.

Jacob Mellis - 5 - Hardly saw the ball, had little effect on the game before being subbed at half time.

Dean Hammond - 7 - Solid as the holding midfielder, limited his former side's opportunities in the final third of the pitch.

Lloyd James - 6 - Looked much more comfortable in midfielf rather than at right back, passing was hit and miss.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Energetic on the left wing in the first half, has less impact on the game in the second half when moved.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - I expected better from him, didn't connect often with crosses into the box.

Matt Paterson - 4 - Missed two great first half chances and was caught offside far too often.

Subs-

Joseph Mills (on for Mellis) - 5 - Made some good runs, but terrible at crossing.

Jake Thomson (on for Paterson) - 5 - Played some dreadful passes, very ineffectual.

Morgan Scheiderlin (on for Perry) - 6 - Solid defensively, but offered very little threat in attack.

Worrying times at St Marys, most of us were expected Saints to be out of minus points by now, but they still sit firmly at the foot of the League One table on -6. Next Saturday we travel to London to watch Saints take on Charlton, who are top of the league and have won all six of their games so far this season. If there's a time to turn around this dismal form its now, I'll be going to the game to support the team, but I suppose if we don't expect much we won't be too disappointed!