Sunday 1st November 2009

A thrilling game finished 2-2 at Brisbane Road yesterday as Southampton came from behind to take a point at Leyton Orient.
The hosts got off to the perfect start, scoring in the second minute when Tamika Mkandawire's header looped into the top corner beyond the reach of Kelvin Davis.
Saints piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but Orient were able to see out the first half with their 1-0 lead still intact.
The visitors found themselves 2-0 down on 56 minutes after being hit on the counter, with Neal Trotman putting the ball into his own net from a Andros Townsend cross.
Saints manager Alan Pardew then switched formation to 4-4-2 for the second game in a row and once again this had an effect on the result. Southampton finally took their chances 15 minutes from full time to pull back a goal, Rickie Lambert converting Adam Lallana's low cross from seven yards out. At this stage the vocal 3,200 travelling support could sense this would be the start of a great comeback and they were not disappointed, Lambert again was the man of the moment by scoring the equaliser on 84 minutes. The in form striker found the top right hand corner to spark wild celebrations from Saints fans and even a small scale pitch invasion.
Saints perhaps may have grabbed a late winner but for some last ditch Leyton Orient defending, but after being 2-0 down, the massive travelling support were happy to take a point as the final whistle sounded.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 6 - Didn't have much to so apart from pick the ball out of the net twice.

Lloyd James - 6 - Again was better going forward once Antonio came on, needs to work on corners.

Radhi Jaidi - 7 - Won practically every aerial challenge, very solid.

Neal Trotman - 5 - Sloppy at times and at fault for both goals, still has a lot to learn.

Dan Harding - 7 - Back to his usual workman-like and reliable self.

Paul Wotton - 6 - Made some good passes, but was rightly sacrificed in favour of a 4-4-2 formation.

Dean Hammond - 6 - Didn't cover as much ground as he usually does, perhaps he wasn't fully fit and rushed back from injury.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 7 - Got himself involved in the game, really needs to work on his finishing though.

Papa Waigo N'Diaye - 6 - Should have tried to run at the opposition more often like his replacement Antonio did.

Adam Lallana -7 - Set up Lambert's first goal, but wasted a few good opportunities.

Rickie Lambert - 8 - MAN OF THE MATCH - Showed why he is considered one of the best strikers in the league with two great finishes.

Subs-

David Connolly

Micheali Antonio (on for Papa Waigo) - 7 - Dangerous on the right and not afraid to take on opponents.

David Connelly (on for Wotton) - 7 - Ran his socks off for the team, impressive once again.

After this game there will be pressure on Alan Pardew to ditch the 4-5-1 formation in favour of 4-4-2 and start with Antonio and Connolly. Saints fans would've hoped for a win before the game, but after being 2-0 down we left the ground in high spirits and singing the Rickie Lambert song loud and joyously.
There's now a two week break from League One football, but Southampton will be in action again on Friday when they have a tricky FA Cup first round tie away to Bristol Rovers.