Thursday 12th November 2009

Southampton last night progressed to the area semi finals of the Football League Trophy after a 2-1 victory against a very poor Charlton Athletic side.
Saints had the better of the opening exchanges at a half full St Marys and it looked only a matter of time before they would break the deadlock. The inevitable happened on 34 minutes when a Lloyd James corner eluded the Charlton defence and Wayne Thomas was on hand to finish from six yards out.
The home side could have been 2-0 up minutes later when Michail Antonio hit the post, but the half time whistle blew with Saints with a one goal advantage having been the stronger side by far.
Charlton never really looked like equalising in the second half and it was no surprise when Saints went 2-0 up when Rickie Lambert's powerful long range effort hit the back of the net on 63 minutes.
Charlton were able to pull one back in stoppage time, with Leon McKenzie questionably onside to reduce the deficit, but Saints held on to advance to the next stage of a competition that they have a great chance of winning.

Saints player ratings-

Bartosz Bialkowski - 7 - Handled well in the rain and made a good save late on.

Looyd James - 7 - Great in swinging corner to set up the first goal, passed the ball well throughout.

Radhi Jaidi - 8 - MAN OF THE MATCH - Won practically everything in the air, limited Charlton's chances.

Wayne Thomas - 7 Was in the right place at the right time for his goal, a bit shaky when moved to right back.

Dan Harding - 7 - Mr reliable once again didn't disappoint.

Michail Antonio - 6 - Needs to work on passing and crossing, unlucky to hit the post.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 6 - Made an excellent first half tackle to start a counter attack, took a knock so was subbed at half time.

Dean Hammond - 7 - Played just behind the strikers at times and created a few chances, captained the team very well.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Showed glimpses of his skill in this televised game, which may attract the attention of several Premiership clubs.

David Connolly - 7 - A real live wire, ran his socks off as always.

Rickie Lambert - 7 - Quality low and powerful strike for the second goal, shows no sign of stopping this brilliant goalscoring form.

Subs-

Neal Trotman (on for Schneiderlin) - 7 - Came on at half time to continue his solid defensive partnership with Jaidi.

Papa Waigo N'diaye - 6 - Was energetic, but perhaps didn't do enough to force his way back into the starting XI.

Jacob Mellis - 6 - Had very little time to make an impact.

After this victory, the Football League Trophy may become a priority for Saints, as they only have an outside chance of making the play offs this season and a trip to Wembley is always a good day out for the fans, no matter what competition it is.
Southampton will be playing in front of Sky cameras for the second time in a week on Sunday when they host Brighton, as they look to finally climb out of the relegation zone.