AWAY TO SWANSEA

It would be nice to see Saints pick up another 3 points but this could be another tricky one.

Not the prettiest of games but a win is a win

just back from a weekend in Swansea, no not a great game but 3 points and have now reached the 40 point mark, something back after defeats against WHam and Norwich was beginning to think if we would get to that by end of April.

Well organised though surprising Davies was played at right back and Cedric didn't start, Cedric seemed to be fit as came on later so an odd selection for me. stuck with Pelle starting with Long but Pelle again really didn't look like a goal threat and not very mobile, Austin looked a threat when he came on. Romeau in midfield played well unlucky to be booked and the classic again of differing standards by referees, Moss booked Classie in second half for holding, yet Sigunson did exactly the same when we broke out of defence yet nothing, they were identical tackles.

very little real goal attempts in first half, we had a couple of decent chances, Romeau was unlucky with a shot that was blocked, Targett delivered some decent crosses, along with some poor ones, Davies looked a bit unsure at RB but used his brain and didn't commit to tackle as knew he would be beaten. Swansea didn't have a lot of threat up front, a few crosses which were well defended. Just before half time they managed a decent piece of play which lead to a cross to far post when Sigunson had time but volleyed well over. Immediately from that we had our best chance with a deep cross in by Davies and Long unmarked headed straight at goalie.

Second half similar but we seemed more in control, Romeau substituted and possible fear of a second yellow as Moss was unpredictable and with Wanyama out for 4 more games we cannot afford both to be out. Davies moved into the middle and Cedric came on at RB. Swansea came closest from a free kick which Williams should have dome more with. We had a goal disallowed, cross in from left Goalie got his hands on ball then collided with Fonte, ball broke lose and Pelle fired in but ruled out. To be fair I think goalie had both hands on the ball so probably right decision, saints got the all important goal with a well worked one, Davies broke out from our half, hit a good cross field ball to Cedric who pulled back to Ward Prowse who hit a first time cross into the box, Long who was completely unmarked headed down to goalie's left who got down to the ball but made a bit of a hash and ended up pushing the ball into the net. To be fair to Long he managed to get some power on the header. Austin came on for Pelle and brought more pace to the attack and on one occasion got the ball on right side of box managed to turn and got a shot in which deflected of a defender which their goalie flapped away for a corner. Targett who was having a tough time against their sub but did not seem to be getting much support went of to be replaced by Yoshida with about 10 minutes left and only real threat was when Yoshida collided with a Swansea forward. Could not see from our end as opposite end of the ground but seen replays on TV and for me 2 issues. firstly Fonte was fouled in the build up, then I am sure their forward looked to buy the foul, he stopped running causing Yoshida to collide with him so I think the right decision.

Saints saw the clock out, Ward Prowse being booked for time wasting taking a corner and Austin held the ball up well to run down the clock so another win down at Swansea. Up to 6th 1 point behind Man U so from looking in trouble a few weeks ago now actually have something positive to play for. Five at the back does make us hard to break down, though we are not as creative, few chances created but we started with Mane, , Austin and Tadic on the bench so we now have options. Another clean sheet for Forster but again few real saves to make due to the organisation in front of him

Forster 7 Solid performance and gives an aura of confidence to rest of team.
Davies 6 not really a full back but did better from midfield and good pass in build up to goal.
Virgil 7 again strong performance a couple of times when a threat he put the ball high in the stands
Fonte 7 another good performance looked solid
Bertrand 7 adds an extra level of defence, hope playing here doesn't jeopardise his England place with dim wit Hodgeson
Romeau 7 looks far more mobile than Wanyama and I would pick him first anyhow, subbed I think to save for next games
Classie 7 looks a accomplished player, booking was ridiculous and suspensions could hurt us towards the end of the season
Ward Prowse 6 plenty of energy but again struggled with his tackles
Pelle 6 won a few challenges but isn't very mobile and always seems to have his back to goal
Long 7 missed an easy chance took his goal well and worked his socks off again, so much different from early season.
Subs
Cedric 6 did well at RB and got forward to help with the goal
Austin 6 managed to get 2 shots on target, more than Pelle and more mobile

Targett 6 did okay got a bit of tough test second half and meant he didn't get forward much.

Thanks Matty, another good result.