Saturday 12th December 2009

Saints overcame a resilient Tranmere Rovers to eventually run out 3-0 winners at St Marys this afternoon.
Rovers made the long journey south appearing to be playing for the draw and frustrated the home side in the first half by breaking up the flow of the game and limiting their opportunities. Whilst the visitor's failed to get many of their shots on target, Southampton's best chance of the half came on 37 minutes when Rickie Lambert's low shot was saved well by Tranmere keeper Luke Daniels.
Saints upped their game in the second half and on 51 minutes Dan Harding broke the deadlock, his powerful shot from the left of the penalty area flying into the net.
The hosts then had the chance to double their lead 12 minutes later when Tranmere defender Marlon Broomes handballed in the area. As Rickie Lambert stepped up to take the resulting penalty the home fans seemed certain there was only going to be one outcome. They were proved right, as the in form striker sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0. Lambert then scored his second of the game on 70 minutes by scoring a beautiful free kick from 25 yards out which hit the top corner.
So at half time, it threatened to be a frustrating afternoon for Southampton, but a much improved second half performance ensured Saints made it five wins from five games.

Saints player ratings-

Bartosz Bialkowski - 6 - Didn't have much to do at all, could have had the day off.

Lloyd James - 5 - Seemed to have forgotten that he had been switched from midfield to right back, looked a liability there.

Chris Perry - 7 - Another solid performance from the veteran, strong in the air at all times.

Jadhi Jaidi - 6 - Hesitant to get stuck in, but appears to be forming a good defensive partnership with Perry.

Dan Harding - 8 - Perfect finish for his goal, made some well timed challenges late on.

Michail Antonio - 6 - Wasn't too involved in the game, but showed glimpses of his skill on the right.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 7 - Play very deep so wasn't much of an attacking threat, but protected the back four well.

Dean Hammond - 7 - Present in attack as well as defence and drove the team on as captain.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Had his moments and linked up well with Harding on the left.

David Connolly - 6 - Made some good off the ball runs but didn't take his chances in front of goal.

Rickie Lambert - 8 - MAN OF THE MATCH - Dominant in the air, spot on from 12 yads out and capped a great all round performance with a lovely free kick.

Subs-

Paul Wotton (on for Schneiderlin) - 6 - Took over from Schneiderlin in protecting the defence.

Papa Waigo N'daiye (on for Connolly) - 6 - Made some good runs, but was caught off side a few times as usual.

Jacob Mellis (on for Lambert) - 6 - Played his familiar role as the token late substitute.

Saints have a big week ahead as they host Norwich on Tuesday in the Johnstones Paint Trophy semi final before travelling to Leeds next Saturday in a showdown between arguably the two strongest squads in League One.