Saturday 21st November 2009

Southampton were twice pegged back as they drew 2-2 with Norwich City in an entertaining game at St Marys this afternoon.
Saints started strongly and took the lead after just 11 minutes when Adam Lallana struck low from David Connolly's well timed through ball. The home side then did well to limit Norwich's chances and went into half time with their lead still intact.
But Norwich came out fighting after the break and won a penalty minutes into the second half when a clumsy Lloyd James challenge brought down Chris Martin in the Saints area. Keeper Kelvin Davis did well to push Wes Hoolahan's penalty onto the post, but the Norwich midfielder was on hand to tap in the rebound to make it 1-1.
At this stage the game could've gone either way, but Saints seized the initiative, with David Connolly's curling shot flying straight into the top corner on 65 minutes to put Southampton ahead for the second time in the match.
However, Norwich equalised again 10 minutes later after Davis could only parry Chris Martin's long range effort, allowing Stephen Hughes to slide in the loose ball.
Both sides had opportunities to grab a late winner, but the game finished 2-2 in what seemed a fair result, despite Saints twice taking the lead.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 6 - Made a few good saves, but at fault for Norwich's second goal.

Lloyd James - 5 - Made a terrible challenge to concede the penalty, a liability at right back.

Neal Trotman - 5 - A bit of a calamity, once again showed he has a lot to learn.

Radhi Jaidi - 6 - An improved performance from Sunday, cleared up most of the mess.

Dan Harding - 8 - Found himself a lot of space going forward and tracked back to make some great tackles.

Michail Antonio - 6 - Was neutralised by the Norwich defence and never really had an opportunity to run at them.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 6 - Pretty anonymous in the middle of the park.

Dean Hammond - 7 - The new captain bossed the midfield, lead the team well.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Finished well for the first goal and put in a good shift.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Didn't get too involved in the game, as he saw little of the ball.

David Connolly - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Set up a goal, scored a beauty, great all round performance from the Irishman.

Subs-

Greame Murty (on for Antonio) - 7 - Great to see him back from injury, much more reliable than James at right back.

Papa Waigo N'daiye (on for Lambert) - 6 - Didn't bring much of an attacking threat to the game.

Jacob Mellis (on for Lallana) - 6 - No time to make an impact.

This result still leaves Saints four points from safety in League One with a midweek trip to Hartlepool waiting ahead, before taking on Northampton in the second round of the FA Cup next Saturday.