SAINTS v HARTLEPOOL, HUDDERSFIELD v DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Can we keep 2nd position?

I can't see Huddersfield getting more than 7 points from their last 3 games as I think Brighton will be really up for it on Saturday, Brighton won't want the embarrassment of finishing the season with 2 home defeats. That means Saints will need 7 points from their last 4 matches, surely they can manage that, can't they???

Not looking good at halftime. Sky say Adkins has made 6 changes..........Guly goal disallowed for offside.........Hartlepool much the better side............0-0. Huddersfield 2-1 up.

1-0 Lambert penalty!!!!!!

and Hartlepool down to 10

off to work now........please don't let this slip Saints!

F/T 2-0 Saints. Just two wins from three needed...or just got to match Huddersfield's results, as we have the better GD.

I hope Brighton play better on Saturday than they played today, or Udders will beat them.
Saturday worries me a bit, we're at Brentford and they're no mugs, although they've got nothing to play for, and I have a nasty feeling that Udders will overturn Brighton, although I am hoping that, since it's the last game at the Withdean and the L1 trophy is to be presented, that Brighton will go out with a win. Hopefully Plymouth will be relegated before next Monday so they have nothing to play for.

Well another hard fought game and only able to really relax for the last 5 minutes following Fonte's goal. Six changes but as they played just 48hrs earlier and another hot day could see the reasoning.

Hartlepool made the better start with an early corner and couple of free kicks as saints seemed to take time to settle down. Most of saints threats were on the left when Harding got forward, made one great run and hit a low hard cross straight across the face of goal with no saints player taking the chance to get in on the end of it, crying out for Barney! Saints also had a couple of corners but kept hitting to the far post where we had no one, been a problem all season. Saints then had what seemed a good goal disallowed, Lallana did some good work in the box, got in a cross and Guly headed in from 8 yards, only for the lino to give offside. From the position of the players Lallana had to beat couldnt see how Guly could be offside unless he had come back from an offside position. Saints turned up the heat and Lambert had a chance when he controlled the ball close to the goal but angle was tight and goalie managed to save. Plenty more pressure up to half time without clear cut chance. Not sure where the comment that Hartlepool were the better side as Saints had most of the pressure and the best chances.

Second half got under way with similar a pattern then saints got the break they needed when Lambert was played in on the left hand side and Pool defender behind him bundled him to the ground. We were at opposite end of ground but looked a clear penalty then ref gave us bigger boost by showing red card and sending off. Lambert did look likely to score but couldnt see if last man. Lambert duly despatched the penalty hard and to the right, goalie went opposite way. That should have been the signal for saints to dominate the 10 man Pool but seemed to take their foot off the gas. Saints nearly conceded when they allowed pool striker through and needed a first class save from Davis to stop an equaliser. Ball went to right and not one saints player reacted, all just looking and arguing with each other, then followed a frantic goal mouth scramble before saints finally cleared. Chaplow came on for Guly as saints looked for that second goal. Nearly came when Lambert played in Connolly who only had goalie to beat but shot to close and was saved.Finally the second goal came with about 5 minutes left. Free kick on right hand side of box, looked set for Lambert blast at goal but he dinked it to the far left hand post and Fonte coming in on the blind side headed in another important goal.

Took of Lallana and Fonte with Forte and Martin coming on but no major scares in last few minutes and 3 minutes of extra time played out comfortably

Three out of four now becomes two out of three. Hopefully Brighton can do us a favour and beat Hudders on Saturday, shame really as both ourselves and hudders are battling out while likes of Posh and MK dons can rest players as know play offs.

Davis 7 usual distribution issue first half but crucial save in second
Richardson 7 had a lot of work in 1st half as Pool targetted RH side and didnt get much help defensively from Guly
Seaborne 6 mix of good and bad
Fonte 8 immense again with the second goal to make game safe
Harding 7 I like Dickson but Harding had a good game and got forward well
Guly 6 Unlucky for "offside" goal and ball control god but didnt do his defensive duties again.
Stephens 6 did okay without being spectacular, would like him to get froward and shoot having scored 10 at Oldham
Hammond 7 put in a good shift but just wish he had a bit more pace.
Lallana 6 not at his best and seemed to want an extra touch which Pool wouldnt let him have
Lambert 7 Despatched the penalty with style and clever training ground free kick for second
Connolly 7 a lot of work but should have scored in 2nd half. did complete 90 minutes though

Subs
Chaplow 6 full of energy
Forte 6
Martin 6