BRIGHTON AT ST MARY'S

This is likely to be a tough one as Brighton are sure to be up for it (as Reading were). I just hope our lads are as hungry as they are. Can we get the 3 points? I wouldn't like to see the terrific run of home wins brought to an end with this one.....

As you say Mike will be a tough one and despite the rubbish Poyet spouts he will play a negative, spoiling game with the aim to hit us on the break like they did last year. Key will be if we can get an early goal and hope he stays with Guly up front. I think the one weakness that Brighton do have is defending the aerial threat and Guly has shown his ability to find the spaces in the box.

will make a forecast later in the week once a clearer idea if any injuries.

Well glad to say my prediction that they struggle in the air was proved true with greta first goal by Rickie, do I get a job as Nigels assistant?

As expected first half was very even, Brighton kept the ball well and are comfortable passing around and we struggled to get the ball out wide. Both sides cancelled each other out and can't remember either goalie making a save. We could have had a couple of penalties but Walton was giving us nothing and should have two penalties for hand ball in first half. Booked Guly for his only foul when he clealry won the ball and loads of decisions against us, but a typical arrogant premiership referee. One time Rickie's shirt was virtually pulled off him and nothing given, what didnt he see?

Half time talk must have worked as saints started second half more brightly and took the lead when Richardson sent in a deep cross from right hand side and Lambert coming in at far post lost both his defenders, climbed and powered a header past Harper for a great headed goal, no doubt Poyet will claim route 1 football. Lambert then set up Hammond in the box, saw harper coming out, waited knocked ball past then brought down. Instead of penalty he books Hammond! Saints then did get a penalty when Fonte was hauled down on right side of box. No question a foul, no idea from our end if in or outside box, all the goals in second half were at Chapel end. Brighton complained bitterly forcing walton to consult with lino who didnt put flag across chest to signal pen. Was sure based on game Walton would change his mind but stuck with original decision. Brighton players carried on arguing and Walton, prima donna, sent off Tarico for dissent. Pretty poor by Tarico when he is assistant manager. Long delay before Rickie could take the pen but placed high and to to right of goal, harper no where near.

Two up and Brighton down to 10 men win looked on the cards but did remember the Pboro game where we struggled to break down 10 men. This time though Poyet didnt reorganise like Ferguson and tried to keep playing a passing game and saints took control of the game, only scare came when Kelvin dropped a cross under pressure, ball fell loose in box and shot on goal was blocked by saints defender, couldn't see who. Lambert nearly got his hat trick when put through on left side placed his shot with right foot which Harper just tipped aorund post though goal kick given. Saints got the third and put game out of sight when Lambert got through in box again on left side and looked like he was clipped from behind and Walton gave second penalty, cue more protests from Brighton players and must think tone is set by Poyet and lack of discipline will hurt them in this league. Yet another great example of Walton as a ref, he blew for penalty to be taken though Harper turned around and Rickie quickly kicked the ball in net. Waltom made him take it again yet he had blown the whistle, Harper should have been ready. Still doesnt bother our Rickie and despite a bit of gamesmanship by Harper placed high and in corner to left side this time. Is beginning to challenge Le Tiss's penalty taking.

3 nil and game over. Saints played the ball around confidently and could have added more but were content to hold the ball. Schneiderlin came on fro Hammond after we were 2 up, de Ridder for Lallana and Barnard came on for last 10 minutes replacing Guly who I thought was likely to get sent off as walton kept giving free kicks against him and was trying very hard.

Players were clearly delighted with the win at the end of the match, think thye did this one fro Nigel who came in for unfaur stick from Brighton last season. As we sang today, You cant keep up with us, you cant keep up with us.....

Davies 7 very quite game for him so was one fumble
Richardson 8 another good game and both full backs critcial with their delivery
Hooviled 7 looked comfortable
Fonte 7 looked better today
Fox 8 good defending good delivery of crosses
Lallana 6 poor first hal but better second half, if fully over his injury
Hammond 7 good game plenty on energy, surprised he was first sub
Cork 8 another very effective game for Corkie ran the show second half.
Chaplow 7 quiet first half much more forward in 2nd half probing and laying off well
Guly 7 lot of effort and chased down lost causes,wasnt much of a goal threat but still caused them problems with his control.
Lambert 9 Penalty king, great header and unlucky with shot just past post.

Another tough test next week with away game at Bristol City but the way we are playing at the moment you knwo we will create chances just need to be clinical away from home.

Thanks yet again Matty, I don't bother to read other reports these days, just look at yours!

Guessing votes for MOM go to Lambert..........if anyone has other views put it here.....

Mike

would agree has to be Rickie with his 3 goals though both Richardson and Fox had good games