Sunday 17th January 2010

Southampton's trip to Millwall livened up in second half stoppage time as the two League One play off hopefuls shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw yesterday.
Saints looked to have taken all three points after a deflected Rickie Lambert free kick crept into the net in front of the 2,000 travelling fans and with the game almost over, prompting wild celebrations in the North Stand of the New Den. But just seconds later the home side rained on Southampton's parade by immediately equalising with virtually the last kick of the game through Liam Trotter.
A match that looked to be goaless suddenly sparked into life in time added on, but Southampton should be happy to take a point as they were by far the second best team for large periods of the game. Millwall should have taken the lead in the first half, but a wonderful Kelvin Davis double save to deny Alan Dunne then Lewis Grabban's follow up shot kept the scores level going into half time.
Saints improved after the break, their best chance coming after Michail Antonio's low cross was met by Adam Lallana in the penalty box, but Millwall keeper David Forde bravely blocked the close range effort.
The late goals don't reflect the story of the game, which wasn't the most interesting and excitment in the New Den largely came from the cracking atmosphere provided by both the home and and away supporters. Saints fans left London last night dissapointed that their team couldn't hold on to the lead after scoring what looked to be the late winner, but at the same time we all knew our lads had not played well enongh to deserve all three points.

Saints player ratings -

Kelvin Davis - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Made that great first half double save plus another good second save to ensure his side didn't lose this one.

Jon Ostemobor - 6 - A threat going forward in his first game for Saints, however he needs to be quicker at tracking back.

Dan Seaborne - 5 - Looked out of his depth and was forced to make a few panicked clearances.

Jose Fonte - 8 - The best of Southampton's three debutants in defence, seems to be a class act at this level.

Dan Harding - 6 - Didn't have a good first half and was given a hard time by the home fans, but improved in the second half.

Lloyd James - 6 - Did well in build up play, but at times he failed to read the game with some wayward passes.

Dean Hammond - 7 - Was getting stuck in and was perhaps Saint's best player before injury forced him off before half time.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 6 - Didn't offer enough going forward when his midfield partner Hammond was subbed.

Lee Holmes - 6 - Looked rusty at first, but gradually eased himself into the game with some good runs and crosses.

Adam Lallana - 6 - Should have buried his second half chance from close range, but apart from that he didn't do much wrong.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Wasn't given much service at all, but reminded us all that he poses such a goal threat from set pieces.

Subs -

Paul Wotton (on for Hammond) - 6 - Was like bringing on another defender, as he was solid but gave nothing to attack at all.

Michail Antonio (on for James) - 7 - Proved once again that he is a very effective impact sub by opening up Milwall's defence with some promising runs and a decent long range effort when brought on.

Papa Waigo N'daiye (on for Lallana) - 6 - Didn't have time to do much so should have been used a bit earlier.

Saints are still twelve points off that play off spot that most fans are hoping they finish in at the end of the season, but for now attention turns away from the league and towards other endevours. Wednesday's trip to MK Dons in the Southern Final first leg of the Johnstones Paint Trophy could put them halfway to Wembley, then on Saturday Pardew's men will look to continue their good FA Cup run when they host Ipswich in the fourth round of the of the world's oldest competition.