HOME TO WOLVES

Here's hoping Saints are really up for this and can get back to winning ways.

really tough one to call, was hoping they had got through to cup final but now will be focussed on league. Think could be 2-1 us, 2-1 Wolves or a 1-1 draw. Going for a draw

Well an excellent result, made better with Cardiff losing and Brighton also losing. Goof team performance again, we are not easy to play against and while Wolves looked the better side for long periods they didn't create a huge number of chances, certainly less then the clear cut chances we created. Got off to a great start with a goal in the first two minutes. Simms was played in by Hojberg down the right hand side got to the byline and pulled a great ball back and Redmond get across his defender to put us a goal up. As often happens that can impact the side scoring and to be honest over the next 25 minutes Wolves looked stronger, they had a header that went wide when should have done better and another chance spurned before the equalized with a set piece, corner to far post and not challenged Boly who headed in.

But all credit to saints as that seemed to spur them on and two minutes later levelled great interchange between Simms, Ings and Redmond had Redmond through on the goalie and dinked the ball over into the net. Then Simms was set up and went for a shot with Ings available missing and then Ings did well to play Simms in on goal same as Redmond but again he missed the target.

Second half and Wolves were on top though not many clear cut chances, Saints subbed Simms and Ings for Romeau and Long, with clearly the intent to tighten the midfield and it did seem to work and Long put in a shift pulling runners wide. Saints got that third and critical goal following a corner and goal mouth scramble ball was ping ponging around, Yoshida tried an overhead shot but blocked but on the ground he poked the ball forward and Long was there to scramble in. Wasn't sure if offside as other end of the pitch but apparently a wolves player Traeore on the line failed to get out. Saints had further chances, one shot saved at the near post and a couple more scrambles. Wolves didn't look like scoring Traeore was a nuisance on the wing but final ball not great.

So now 8 points clear of Cardiff and hoping that Brighton beat them on Tuesday to keep the gap at 8 points then with just 4 game left and they have to play Man C and Man U I would be feeling comfortable. Certainly playing much better now, look like a team with some options and pace.

Gunn 6 didn't really have a lot to do, nothing he could do with the goal
Bertrand 7 played well even when Traore came on he handled him well
Yoshida 7 a good game from Yoshi, the odd error but helped set up the crucial third goal.
Bednaek 7 looked reasonably solid, never takes chances and happy to find touch rather than mess around with it.
Vestergard 7 some decent blocks in the first half, about the goal but Boly who scored is very strong
Valery 6 had a decent game, tired after 70 minutes plus took a knock and replaced by Stephens
Ward Prowse 7 struggled in first half in central midfield but good set piece deliveries and comfortable on right side when Romeau came on.
Hojberg 7 thought not his best in first half but again once Romeau came on looked more solid and winning the ball.
Simms 7 did well with first goal but should have scored with 2 good chances but clearly now part of the squad unlike under Hughes
Redmond 8 took his goal well and a constant threat, maybe, just maybe he could turn into another Sterling.
Ings 6 played a key role in second goal and set up Simms for another but don't think he had a shot and still seems to be struggling for his fitness.

Subs

Long 7 really caused problems and right place for the goal, 2 in successive games, first time in 3 years!
Romeau 7 did strengthen the middle of the park and allowed Ward Prowse and Hojberg some more freedom
Stephens 6 came on at RB for Valery and did a good job

Good report. I just watched a replay of the 2nd half (missed the 1st as I was out), a top result.

Thanks again Matty