austsaint

Shame to see him go, but understandable given his restricted game time and inability to nail down an attacking spot in the Martin set up. Hard to forget the many promising minutes he played in the Prem last season - probably more suited to the quick movement, counter-attacking style rather than the present set up. In some ways the outstanding form of S. Armstrong and the recent re-emergence of Aribo haven't helped his cause and RM obviously rates Rothwell even if he hasn't offered up much spark to date. I hope we haven't seen the last of Charly.

Maybe a 9.5 if no one leaves. With a cherry on top!

You make a lot of good points (especially about the settled team who know the system well) in what turned out to be a great Cup tie - particularly the last 30 minutes. The nine changes resulted in a disjointed, not-up-to-speed with the system first half. Clearly Rothwell is still finding his way; Holgate always looked a risk at RB and young Dibling ahead of him looked all at sea. Stephens has not (yet) established the smooth partnership with THB that Bednarek has. Noticeable in the first half that despite all the possession there were no runners and no width to put the Watford defence under pressure. Mara is not a winger, but improved when more central. Fraser, Stu and young SAA immediately solved the run and width problem. Alcaraz, out of sorts until the likes of Fraser and the two Armstrongs came on - he then came to life. What a cameo from S. Armstrong. Young Meghoma also looked more settled once the changes were made. A replay given what's at stake is probably an unwanted extra game, but based on most of the second half, I'm happy about the prospect.

Verlaine. Outside of his set against SD, he's quite a good poster.

Let's hope so.

More information please egg. What do you want to happen in the next week or so to raise your confidence levels that high?

I'm happy with second. Aren't you?

Tighter in our hands if Leicester win. Creates a bit of slack.

Sounds doable, doesn't it.

Leicester win, and technically, 2nd place (ie automatic promotion) is "in our hands". We don't need to drive every green and score eagles and birdies. Ok, the occasional birdie would be nice but a Leicester win means pars and squaring the Ipswich and Leeds cards will do. No day of glory Cup raising needed here - a solid runners up medal will do nicely.

Romeu made an art form out of it - record amount of yellows.....never sent off.

A bird in the hand worth more than a couple in the bush etc. Leicester please.

Yeah, fair enough. It was a brilliant first half team performance, and Smallbone played his part. There's also no doubt that he's played well the last two games. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but if you look at the first half again, WS made several untidy passes under no pressure, and it is characteristic of his game. I think it was Holmes and Watson who made the interesting point that Smallbone is often being asked to play several roles ranging from attacking wide, attacking central and defensive midfield, and his mobility and energy allows him to do it. It's working against lesser teams - will the same strategy work against better opposition.

I accept I was harsh on Smallbone at half-time, chum! He had a good second half, and played his role. I'm surprised he got the man-of-the-match nod though - but well done him.

I might of been too harsh on WS yesterday. He played his part and had a good second half. Against the likes of Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds etc, Downes may need a bit more help in the holding role - whether it's WS or Rothwell, when he gets up to speed, will be interesting. At the moment, young Charles is probably not ready.

I just don't see him as good enough to play that wide attacking midfield role. Also a lot of misplaced passes. He does cover the park well and makes runs in attacking positions - just looks the weak link to me.

About as one sided a half as you're likely to see. Downes tremendous even before his goal; Fraser and Stu working well together. Strange lack of discipline from THB. AA providing plenty of service. Only disappointment for me, despite the goal is Smallbone; against the better sides we are going to need better. Perhaps this is where Rothwell will feature.

You're probably right yet with the (automatic) promotion carrot dangling in plain sight, KWP's departure would disrupt so much of the attacking, creative threat. I couldn't see his loss being covered well enough. Are SR happy to take the money and risk blowing the strong chance of promotion? Let him go to Chelsea in the Summer! They can wait; they're not going to contend for anything in what remains of the season.

All the best to your family members Lambtiss.

So true - you want to get promoted but you don't want the winning experience and the quality of Saint's play in the Championship to end! Fabulous 2nd half display. Fraser great again and deserved the applause he got coming off late in the game. Every week you find yourself marvelling at KWP's game - if he does go in the Summer I'm just going to enjoy his remaining 19 League games for the Club. Adams didn't look like a player trying to break down the exit door. And credit to Smallbone, looked good today in the AM role.

Lovely calm finish. Decent displays from Smallbone and Manning so far.

He has, it takes a fair amount of self reflection and humility to acknowledge mistakes and seek out change. I think he's won over a lot of doubters - and I was one too.

Great summary Alex Law; and well done to RM - the fourth to last dot point, "I needed to be braver, the coaches and me had to change" is a brave admission to make. And they have acted to change things, and been rewarded. I also liked his comment about wanting to stay in the job long enough to be here next season to see how good they are. If promotion happens he will surely get that chance come August this year.

Yep, there would have to be a damn good replacement for Adams lined up before any modest sale price was agreed to. Look at what's at stake. As things stand Saints are a one-in-three chance of being promoted automatically; maybe a better chance than that if you think Ipswich will fall away. As frustrating a striker as he can be, he is proven at this level and justifiably holds some appeal to a few Prem Clubs. I just don't see him as a down tools, sulk merchant who only lifts when the transfer window is open. Of course he wants a fresh start, and it's in his interest, if he stays, to perform well, help us get promoted and boost his chances of being picked up by a lower level Prem Club.

Was thinking the same about Meghoma's very impressive display. Not tested defensively but the pace, crossing, movement and athleticism stood out like a beacon and looked a favourable comparison to a 17yo Luke Shaw, even if it was only L2 opposition. His display has probably sealed Larios' fate and even Ryan Manning should be worried about the talent we saw from Meghoma today. If promotion comes, he could be the understudy to a new LB. The cameos from Dibling and Bragg were encouraging and as you say, it was quieter out on SAA' wing yet he didn't get the help from Holgate that Fraser supplied to Meghoma. Fraser's game was stunning - head and shoulders (if that's possible) above any other player on the pitch. Every contribution he made seemed a bit special. Harwood-Bellis again looked a class act, he directed so much of the tempo and the build up play. Alcaraz, though prone to a lost possession or a stray pass, just has that flair and creativity to make things happen. Well done to Joe Lumly; more than ok and showed he can play the sweeper role, handle safely and command his box. The only downside for me was another underwhelming game from Smallbone - you'd expect him to show out against L2 opposition but the same limitations showed up in his game. Another feel good afternoon and fair to say most of the 22,600 at the ground (excepting Walsall supporters) will be turning up again hoping for more entertaining Football.