Saints 1 Cardiff 1 Post Match Reactions

[Graffito]

No you are not. The central midfield was poor, low tempo, sideways and backwards, never first to breaking balls. How Schneiderlin thinks he can pressure, strolling about, ten yards from an opponent is beyond me. I was impressed by Puncheon and now would like to see us play a midfield of Lallana, Puncheon, Hammond/Cork, from Chaplow/Guly/DeRidder.

Hammond/Schneiderlin/Cork do not provide an attacking threat when together and are slow to build often ending promising moves by turning backwards ending up with the keeper punting.

 

Where has the fast pass and move gone, there is a lack of movement off the ball, but Puncheon when he moved infield was a revelation creating movement and momentum. Connolly had for him a poorish game, the fullbacks had plenty of the ball but the delivery was poor. Defensively and bearing in mind he was on his poor side Martin had a solid game. Now I've seen the goal on tv, Davis just flapped the ball out, he didn't look under great pressure as there was only one Cardiff player close and he was tight marked. Lallana was lively but I thought he seemed to look for the penalty and went down easily, I was closer to the Lambert incident and the defender was all over him. Fonte had a decent game, Lee will be useful as he settles in. I was surprised Falque was on the bench after his poor debut.

 

You're wrong and the central midfield. It did ok. The reason we didn't capitalise on our possession was poor delivery from the fullbacks. If we go up and continue to play a similar formation we need better quality from fullbacks/wingbacks.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Bloody Frozen, what sadistic berk invented Tuesday late-night football. I'm still shivering today.

 

Better than expected from Saints and we did deserve the win but our lot seem to think putting the ball in the net was not part of the passing game - maybe if should stand somebody in the goal behind the line so they can pass to him. That way we get a goal and they won't know. Not so many positives from this one Adders, another 2 points dropped so that's only 12 from the last 11 league matches. H'mmh relegation form?

 

I feel happier about Brum on Saturday now, still think it'll be incredibly difficult as Houghton has cleared out all the crappie old has-beens and got some fresh young talent playing the ball around, a bit like us. They're whacking everyone in sight at the moment so we really do have to watch out for that 5-0 thrashing that might end our season. I guess we must hope for another 1-1

 

???? So going by that. West Ham`s season is all but over then..excellent one less team to worry about then

[Whitey Grandad]

Great report Chez, as usual. I must point out in fairness to Puncheon that is was Morgan who got the yellow card. My two-halfpence, for what it's worth:

 

Kelvin flapped at one too many crosses and we got punished for it. At half time I was expecting another Leicester type of night but second half was much improved. There was too much 'after you Claude' in front of goal and far too many overhit crosses under no pressure. We were lacking a bit of drive from the midfield. At one point about 10 mins from the end we were in a promising position the ball was worked back three passes which allowed Cardiff to push upfield and the whole momentum of the attack was lost with our front four having to come back with them. Some bizarre decisions from the ref who sometimes seemed to want to be the centre of attraction. A better performance but I doubt whether this level will be enough for automatic promotion. An interesting three months ahead.

 

And it was bloody cold. I must wear a thicker coat next time.

[Sour Mash]

nice report, good to see someone not moaning about the midfield,someone who realises they have specific roles to perform instead of all charging gung-ho into the opponents box all of the time.

I haven't seen one person post that about our midfield.

[Legod Third Coming]

Would have liked to have seen Lee on for connolly and Falque on. Dont recall hearing Connolly's name second half!!

 

Connolly was about the only player who was anonymous.

 

We should have won and had TWO STONEWALL penalties turned down... How neither was given is beyond me and in truth the ref only gave the third (and most dubious) because he knew he had fecked up the second appeal.

When six thousand people are calling you cheat 100 yards from you and ten yards from the incident, you know you've goofed!

 

Ups:

 

Adam and Rickie back to near their best

Jose looking much more like the silky ball winner of last season

Cork's overall work-rate and ethic - he will be one hell of a footballer by the end of next season

Martin - grows every game

Tandoori (as he was called by someone behind us!) looked quick and sharp

 

Downs:

Someone take our full backs out to the car park. Put a bucket at one end and a dozen balls at the other. And ask them to fill it with the balls.

Our crossing and corners were shocking on the whole...

 

But cannot be unhappy with the performance. We deserved more. We looked like our old selves second half.

[Webby]

The central midfield was poor, low tempo, sideways and backwards, never first to breaking balls. How Schneiderlin thinks he can pressure, strolling about, ten yards from an opponent is beyond me. I was impressed by Puncheon and now would like to see us play a midfield of Lallana, Puncheon, Hammond/Cork, from Chaplow/Guly/DeRidder. Hammond/Schneiderlin/Cork do not provide an attacking threat when together and are slow to build often ending promising moves by turning backwards ending up with the keeper punting.

 

I totally agree. I feel that our centre midfield balance is off, and has been since Chaplow has been out. As you say, the combination of hammond, schneiderlin & cork doesn't work as well as it ought to, given that, individually, they are talented players. As I say, it's about balance. They're too similar. It's similar to the way Gerrard and Lampard didn't work well together in the England team.

 

I think none of them are attacking midfielders and none of them are true holding midfielders. They're kind of something inbetween. They all play to a similar tempo, although cork has a slightly higher intensity to his game. When Chaplow comes back, I'd like to see him and cork in the middle with cork holding, breaking up play and passing it easy and Chaplow making runs, pressing, and creating space behind him. Llalana on the left and Guly/Puncheon on the right. It's chaplow's constant running and high energy that created space and options for the defence and other midfielders to exploit.

 

In essence, when Chappers is fit, the other three are competing for one place. Good competition.

[red&white56]

I and most people I know would say he's been poor and getting poorer in all the games he's played since September.

 

He may have been poor last night but he had a good game at Nottingham - that, however, may be a reflection of how poor Forest are than how good DC was.

[captainchris]

I actually forgot Connolly was on the pitch in the second half until he was subbed

 

We had enough pressure to go on and win the game, just had no real chances, mainly half chances. With Sharp we may well be better, we missed Guly tonight, his link up play is better than Connolly

 

Expect DC to play against Birmingham - he continues to not perform and get picked - definately not up to Championship standard I'm afraid...Back to goal merchant these days!

[shurlock]

I totally agree. I feel that our centre midfield balance is off, and has been since Chaplow has been out. As you say, the combination of hammond, schneiderlin & cork doesn't work as well as it ought to, given that, individually, they are talented players. As I say, it's about balance. They're too similar. It's similar to the way Gerrard and Lampard didn't work well together in the England team.

 

I think none of them are attacking midfielders and none of them are true holding midfielders. They're kind of something inbetween. They all play to a similar tempo, although cork has a slightly higher intensity to his game. When Chaplow comes back, I'd like to see him and cork in the middle with cork holding, breaking up play and passing it easy and Chaplow making runs, pressing, and creating space behind him. Llalana on the left and Guly/Puncheon on the right. It's chaplow's constant running and high energy that created space and options for the defence and other midfielders to exploit.

 

In essence, when Chappers is fit, the other three are competing for one place. Good competition.

 

Chaplow has rarely played CM for us this season - a whole lot of revisionism about his role in the team and the personnel -our now maligned CM- in our opening run of form.

 

While the sideways ball and the slow temp can be problems, especially if they are not mixed up, I think the CM is all too easily scapegoated. If you watched the forwards first half, there were statues - offering little or no movement to create space or receive the ball between the lines. In effect, they gave our midfield which has the ability to pick a pass very few options. The irony is that Connolly, who was excellent at doing this last season and early this season, was most at fault. Things improved after Lallana went in the hole and Connolly dropped deeper in the 2nd half and as a result we looked better.

[Lighthouse]

Expect DC to play against Birmingham - he continues to not perform and get picked - definately not up to Championship standard I'm afraid...Back to goal merchant these days!

 

Mainly down to injuries it has to be said. With injuries to Barnard and more recently Guly, not to mention Lambert's suspension, DC has been in the team pretty much by default. I can see that changing with Lambert, Sharp and Lee all back in the squad fully fit, with Barnard and Guly coming back to full fitness over the next few weeks too.

 

I'd loan him out TBH, HCDAJF someone in League 1.

[channonball]

Shurlock Lambert wasn't a statue last night, Connolly was. The problem is our centre midfielders is their natural instinct to retain the ball is to turn back towards the defenders. By the time they have it under control and away from the marker, the other players are back in position and the only out balls are a defender.

[shurlock]

Shurlock Lambert wasn't a statue last night, Connolly was. The problem is our centre midfielders is their natural instinct to retain the ball is to turn back towards the defenders. By the time they have it under control and away from the marker, the other players are back in position and the only out balls are a defender.

 

I wasn't talking about Lambert who was my MOTM or there abouts. The comment was directed at Connolly and to a degree Lallana, though he was stuck on the left until he was given licence to roam.

[Whitey Grandad]

Someone take our full backs out to the car park. Put a bucket at one end and a dozen balls at the other. And ask them to fill it with the balls.

Our crossing and corners were shocking on the whole...

 

It's a good idea but somebody has to sit on the Itchen in a rowing boat to go and get all the balls back.

[Alanh]

I think the central midfield improved massively from the Leicester match. Last night we were winning second balls regularly from the start and despite being 3 v 2 in there they didn't get dominated for any period of the match. The problem as I saw it was Cardiff were set up to cut out passing options and then hit us on the break. Their fullbacks and wide midfielders pressed our players resulting in them receiveing the ball with their backs to goal and nowhere to pass bu backwards. McPhail was cutting out through balls just in front of their back four reducing our options. We couldn't find our passing range until NA switched the formation and after that the midfield were much more effective.

[Window Cleaner]

Chaplow has rarely played CM for us this season - a whole lot of revisionism about his role in the team and the personnel -our now maligned CM- in our opening run of form.

 

While the sideways ball and the slow temp can be problems, especially if they are not mixed up, I think the CM is all too easily scapegoated. If you watched the forwards first half, there were statues - offering little or no movement to create space or receive the ball between the lines. In effect, they gave our midfield which has the ability to pick a pass very few options. The irony is that Connolly, who was excellent at doing this last season and early this season, was most at fault. Things improved after Lallana went in the hole and Connolly dropped deeper in the 2nd half and as a result we looked better.

 

In fact I think Chappers got sent off in the only league match that he has started in CM, his recrudescence started when he was given an attacking midfield role in place of either Guly or Lallana.Perhaps it's from our attacking midfielders that we should be looking for a bit more energy.

 

edit: in fact I don't think he has started a single league game in CM, cos at Barnsley Hammond and Cork were CM.

Edited 1 February, 2012 by Window Cleaner

[Alanh]

Expect DC to play against Birmingham - he continues to not perform and get picked - definately not up to Championship standard I'm afraid...Back to goal merchant these days!

I don't think there was an alternative last night. LB isn't ready to start yet, Lee has only just arrived. Sharp wasn't eligible, De Ridder has hamstring problems and Guly was injured.

[John B]

My two cents. Terrific game and that sense of injustice brought on by two missed penalty decision really got the crowd worked up into a frenzy and that helped contribute to a decent atmosphere. I thought we played pretty well first half and were the better side. Cardiff played right into our hands by only playing one up front, kicking long and allowing us to play out from the back at times. Admittedly Miller had the best chance and they of course scored, but by then we could have had a pen and Lambert had a decent chance from a Lallana cross. I thought we controlled things and looked much the more dangerous side.

 

In the second half we took total charge, pressing them high up the pitch and quite literally charging at the man in possession. They weren't good enough to pass through us and we ran them ragged. How many corners? How many attacks. Their two centre halves and our terrible crossing kept them in it. Cardiff did create two half decent chances, but unlike them we went for the win not the draw and if we had got to the byeline and put in a decent cross or two we would have taken the points.

 

Davis 5 flapped at the goal and one other corner. Cardiff were a serious threat from set pieces. Kicking and choices were good.

Richardson 7 decent game, but crossing woeful

Fonte 7 solid game, although put Richardson in all sorts of trouble in the first half that led to the great Miller chance

Martin 7 very nervous start and his lack of a left foot was exposed with a wild swipe at one clearance. Didn't get tight enough to Miller early on but improved quickly.

Fox 5 one neat bit of skill got him out of a tight hole in the first half, that's his forte, but his passing was very poor in the fist half, although he did play it short a lot more than normal when playing in front of NA. Funny that. Never got tight and didn't forward nearly enough. I'm less impressed every game to be honest

Lallana 7 One neat bit of skill and cross in the first half, but boy did he look tired - not showing for Fox at all on several occasions - so I thought his first half display wasn't great. He got his second wind though, and when moved to the front of a diamond and not having to track back he came alive causing havoc.

Cork 8 he's better when he has to do more running. At one point we seemed to be a 4-2-4 and he actually looks a far better player having to cover more ground, make desperate tackles. He was everywhere and that allowed us to gamble.

Morgan 7 Some poor long passes in the first half, but improved quickly and with Cork worked ever so hard. It was 2 v 3 throughout the game and yet we never seemed to be outgunned in the middle, which is credit to he two central midfielders (and Puncheon when he came inside)took a yellow for the team again.

Puncheon 7 Pretty much the same sort of display he put in when the fans were on his back. A couple of decent tackles got the crowd onside and as usual his first touch was sublime. there was some of the bad - the indicisiveness in front of goal and if I'm honest the less than whole hearted combative stuff early on. But I thought he had a decent game and we look tidier with him in the side. Did well when pushed in side. Strange tactical decision that. Slightly surprised how much effort the fans made to make him feel welcome. he responded well.

Connelly 6 not bad, but he is just too slow and some of his control from throw ins etc just ends up with him dribbling back 30 yards. I'm all for keeping the ball at all costs, but he has become Barnard-like in that respect. Much tighter control and hold up play means you don't go backwards quite so far. Thought he should have gone off rather than Puncheon.

Lambert 9 forget his amazing penalty taking, I thought he was top notch. He won far more in the air than I thought he would. He had Gerrard in his pocket to be honest, but his work rate was high, and he caused problems and linked the play as he does so well. Massive difference with him in the side, because we actually hoof it long quite a bit.

 

Lee 7 great impact, full of running, some nice movement. He runs away rather than to. That changes our dynamic completely. Looked to be strong, willing to tackle held the ball up well and with a half decent touch. Can he get on the end of a few things and show class in front of goal. If he can he is going to be great.

Hammond should have come on earlier IMO

 

I do like your posts as I only go to watch the Saints once a month I wait for your reports with interest but I did go last night and fully agree with your ratings except for Cork who I realise is a favorite of yours and I would only give 7 .

 

You did not mention that Reckless tackle of Morgan's he really should cut them out.

[saintwiz]

any links to highlights please. NOT Saints player ta.

[shurlock]

In fact I think Chappers got sent off in the only league match that he has started in CM, his recrudescence started when he was given an attacking midfield role in place of either Guly or Lallana.Perhaps it's from our attacking midfielders that we should be looking for a bit more energy.

 

edit: in fact I don't think he has started a single league game in CM, cos at Barnsley Hammond and Cork were CM.

 

Agree, while the CMs could offer more, as many questions should be asked about our front four (inc our two AMs who are encouraged to drift iside). Many teams have cottoned onto our reliance on Lambert and his link up play, so if he's not firing, the other three need to step up. But Lallana, Connolly, Guly, SDR and Barny can hardly be said to be in great runs of form.

 

The good news is that as some teams effectively double mark Lambert, space is opened up. I also think Sharp will make a big difference -he's been used to playing as a lone striker at Donny, so he can obviously provide some of the same qualities as Lambert. Instead of one outlet, teams will now have to worry about two.

[Greenridge]

Always an idiot with a sarcastic meaningless remark.

 

Spoken like a true wannabe football tactician. Not.

[Window Cleaner]

I do like your posts as I only go to watch the Saints once a month I wait for your reports with interest but I did go last night and fully agree with your ratings except for Cork who I realise is a favorite of yours and I would only give 7 .

 

You did not mention that Reckless tackle of Morgan's he really should cut them out.

 

Did not morgan "take one for the team" again last night. That's what Chez implies anyway,think he pulled back Whittingham when he was gone.Then again Whittingham got booked for hacking down Morgan when he was past him and away as well.It's a man's game in CM

[shurlock]

Lambert 9 forget his amazing penalty taking, I thought he was top notch. He won far more in the air than I thought he would. He had Gerrard in his pocket to be honest, but his work rate was high, and he caused problems and linked the play as he does so well. Massive difference with him in the side, because we actually hoof it long quite a bit.

 

Think this is very true -and can sometimes be overlooked by our propaganda football. Its not mindless hoof; but its quite direct. I would go so far as to say that our chances of winning any given game depend on Lambert's match up with the CB and fullback. If Lambert comes out on top, we'll win 9 times out of 10.

[Leicestersaint]

It was a good if very cold night at SMS. The referee was simply appalling. We should have had at least one more penalty (the first half foul on Lambert). Davis was illegally impeded for their goal which shoudl never have been allowed.

 

Puncheon was very good - as was Lambert who got zero protection from the idiot referee. Our two full backs were pretty awful in my view - I don't think Richardson is properly fit and Fox seems to have lost the ability to cross the ball to one of our own. CBs did OK I thought.

 

Midfield was not impressive in the first half but much better in the second - Connolly ran around a lot but was generally disappointing. At the end i was disappointed with the point as i thought we could have beaten them but with a dreadful referee and a poor first half a point is a point.

[DJ_TOAST]

Just seen the highlights on south today...1st one was def penalty...not sure about lallana's...3rd was def.

and their goal what a joke...their player seem to chuck Kelvin on the floor.

[laughba]

Just seen the highlights on south today...1st one was def penalty...not sure about lallana's...3rd was def.

and their goal what a joke...their player seem to chuck Kelvin on the floor.

... Actually somewhat disagree, 1st pen with Ricky wasn't a penalty, I think he kind of bundled into the cardiff player and both players lost their footing together.. Lallana's was as stonewall as you get.... Cardiff player has caught him

like 3 seconds late!!!!

[Saint_Mabes]

Really enjoyed the second half.

 

Lambert amazing as was Lallana.

 

Puncheon is a breathe of fresh air as actually has some movement into the middle.

 

Lee (or yes, Tandoori Lee as the daft casual racist behind me said, lol) looked really exciting.

 

Connolly poor and was calling for him to be subbed for Hammond at least 15mins earlier.

 

Richardson is my Guly (I.e. I hate him!)

[channonball]

Just watching Saints player highlights. Is the BBC Solent bloke with Merrington a Skate? He didn't think either of the inital penality appeals were penalties......... Unbelieveable!!!

[Saintandy666]

Good performance last night which is promising. I though Lee looked useful and it'll be interesting to see how he develops. I'm grateful for the goals Connolly has given us, but to be honest it was like 10 men vs. 11 men yesterday... he might have been good a few years back when he was fast and nimble perhaps, I don't know, but these days I think he needs to drop down a level at least... he can not win a header at all.

[Legod Third Coming]

It's a good idea but somebody has to sit on the Itchen in a rowing boat to go and get all the balls back.

 

Brilliant!!!! Nearly spat my (very good quality) Chardonnay over the dog!

[Legod Third Coming]

Central midfield was not an issue per se last night, but the formation was.

It wasn't a change in personnel that brought about massive improvement but a change in tactics and sorting out the midfield by matching up Cardiff who, to be fair, also ran out of steam and fitness in the second half.

 

Had our fullbacks any clue as to how to cross, we could easily have won that game 4-1... although captain t w a t in the middle would have ruled at least two of them out for being scored while the tide was in...

[Legod Third Coming]

I do like your posts as I only go to watch the Saints once a month I wait for your reports with interest but I did go last night and fully agree with your ratings except for Cork who I realise is a favorite of yours and I would only give 7 .

 

You did not mention that Reckless tackle of Morgan's he really should cut them out.

 

While I'm not a fan of them, it was in fact a brilliant professional foul as Cardiff were away with half our defence in their half...

[Sour Mash]

Just got round to watching the highlights - Lambert first pen shout 50/50. Davis wasn't fouled for their goal, he needs to sort himself out. Lallana pen shout definitely a pen, as was the handball shout that was given.

[Lazlo78]

Just got round to watching the highlights - Lambert first pen shout 50/50. Davis wasn't fouled for their goal, he needs to sort himself out. Lallana pen shout definitely a pen, as was the handball shout that was given.

 

Phew, thank you, I thought I had to be the first to say that Lamberts was a real 50/50. The defender had arms flailing around and there was contact, but it seemed that Rickie more or less barged into him. Could have been given on the basis of the defender's arms being everywhere.

 

I agree that there was no free kick on Kelvin judging by the highlights - the Cardiff player went towards him but it seems there isn't too much contact. Kelvin simply just can't get around him. Would often have been given though considering that keepers always get extra protection. Pen was a pen and Lallanas last pen call was a pen too. Thought it was a dive but the replay shows that the defender catches Lallana's boot and takes him down...

[Legod Third Coming]

Phew, thank you, I thought I had to be the first to say that Lamberts was a real 50/50. The defender had arms flailing around and there was contact, but it seemed that Rickie more or less barged into him. Could have been given on the basis of the defender's arms being everywhere.

 

I agree that there was no free kick on Kelvin judging by the highlights - the Cardiff player went towards him but it seems there isn't too much contact. Kelvin simply just can't get around him. Would often have been given though considering that keepers always get extra protection. Pen was a pen and Lallanas last pen call was a pen too. Thought it was a dive but the replay shows that the defender catches Lallana's boot and takes him down...

 

All I would say is watch Rickie's reaction. He is the least demonstrative player in the side and he goes mental... that's good enough for me! Wrestled to the ground. When it happened in the centre circle a free kick was given instantly. And if it's a foul there it's a foul everywhere!

[Jonnyboy]

My two cents. Terrific game and that sense of injustice brought on by two missed penalty decision really got the crowd worked up into a frenzy and that helped contribute to a decent atmosphere. I thought we played pretty well first half and were the better side. Cardiff played right into our hands by only playing one up front, kicking long and allowing us to play out from the back at times. Admittedly Miller had the best chance and they of course scored, but by then we could have had a pen and Lambert had a decent chance from a Lallana cross. I thought we controlled things and looked much the more dangerous side.

 

In the second half we took total charge, pressing them high up the pitch and quite literally charging at the man in possession. They weren't good enough to pass through us and we ran them ragged. How many corners? How many attacks. Their two centre halves and our terrible crossing kept them in it. Cardiff did create two half decent chances, but unlike them we went for the win not the draw and if we had got to the byeline and put in a decent cross or two we would have taken the points.

 

Davis 5 flapped at the goal and one other corner. Cardiff were a serious threat from set pieces. Kicking and choices were good.

Richardson 7 decent game, but crossing woeful

Fonte 7 solid game, although put Richardson in all sorts of trouble in the first half that led to the great Miller chance

Martin 7 very nervous start and his lack of a left foot was exposed with a wild swipe at one clearance. Didn't get tight enough to Miller early on but improved quickly.

Fox 5 one neat bit of skill got him out of a tight hole in the first half, that's his forte, but his passing was very poor in the fist half, although he did play it short a lot more than normal when playing in front of NA. Funny that. Never got tight and didn't forward nearly enough. I'm less impressed every game to be honest

Lallana 7 One neat bit of skill and cross in the first half, but boy did he look tired - not showing for Fox at all on several occasions - so I thought his first half display wasn't great. He got his second wind though, and when moved to the front of a diamond and not having to track back he came alive causing havoc.

Cork 8 he's better when he has to do more running. At one point we seemed to be a 4-2-4 and he actually looks a far better player having to cover more ground, make desperate tackles. He was everywhere and that allowed us to gamble.

Morgan 7 Some poor long passes in the first half, but improved quickly and with Cork worked ever so hard. It was 2 v 3 throughout the game and yet we never seemed to be outgunned in the middle, which is credit to he two central midfielders (and Puncheon when he came inside)took a yellow for the team again.

Puncheon 7 Pretty much the same sort of display he put in when the fans were on his back. A couple of decent tackles got the crowd onside and as usual his first touch was sublime. there was some of the bad - the indicisiveness in front of goal and if I'm honest the less than whole hearted combative stuff early on. But I thought he had a decent game and we look tidier with him in the side. Did well when pushed in side. Strange tactical decision that. Slightly surprised how much effort the fans made to make him feel welcome. he responded well.

Connelly 6 not bad, but he is just too slow and some of his control from throw ins etc just ends up with him dribbling back 30 yards. I'm all for keeping the ball at all costs, but he has become Barnard-like in that respect. Much tighter control and hold up play means you don't go backwards quite so far. Thought he should have gone off rather than Puncheon.

Lambert 9 forget his amazing penalty taking, I thought he was top notch. He won far more in the air than I thought he would. He had Gerrard in his pocket to be honest, but his work rate was high, and he caused problems and linked the play as he does so well. Massive difference with him in the side, because we actually hoof it long quite a bit.

 

Lee 7 great impact, full of running, some nice movement. He runs away rather than to. That changes our dynamic completely. Looked to be strong, willing to tackle held the ball up well and with a half decent touch. Can he get on the end of a few things and show class in front of goal. If he can he is going to be great.

Hammond should have come on earlier IMO

 

Chez does great reports and he agrees with me about Fox, so there.

[Chez]

I do like your posts as I only go to watch the Saints once a month I wait for your reports with interest but I did go last night and fully agree with your ratings except for Cork who I realise is a favorite of yours and I would only give 7 .

 

You did not mention that Reckless tackle of Morgan's he really should cut them out.

cheers, but I did actually mention his yellow. It was what I would describe as a `good foul'. We were being caught badly on the break at the time and if he hadn't savagely brought down the fast breaking opponent (no idea who it was) we'd have been in big big trouble (hence my description taking a yellow for the team). So on this occasion I'd have to disagree that he needs to cut out the reckless tackles cos I thought it was a professional foul. Mind you it was an awful tackle and worthy of an `orange' card in my book.

 

Oh I forgot to mention, thank god for ski socks. Every football fan should get some.

[Chez]

Richardson is my Guly (I.e. I hate him!)

what don't you like about him? Best right back we have had for a long long time in my book, although his crossing was terrible yesterday.

[sidthesquid]

Just watched the highlights on i-player. Nigel must have walked under a ladder & run over a black cat this week. Lambert pen -nailed on. For their goal, Davis was clearly fouled and their guy's shot was mi**** and deflected. Lallana penalty - nailed on. Ok, the pen he did give was a bit soft, but more often given than not. Overall we did well, especially the second half, though our inability to convert pressure into decent shots on goal remains my main worry. (Hopefully Billy will sort that one out!)

[Roger]

How do people hate guly. He's a good player better than Connolly.

[channonball]

There was a definite foul on Davies believe me. I was sat in the Chapel and try tug was so obvious it was ridiculous. I have to say the TV shot really doesn't show it.

[st alex]

There was a definite foul on Davies believe me. I was sat in the Chapel and try tug was so obvious it was ridiculous. I have to say the TV shot really doesn't show it.

 

Don't think I've seen a foul on a keeper as obvious as that. Difficult for the ref to see through all those bodies though, would have needed one of those officials behind the goal.

[Sour Mash]

Can anyone actually tell me what foul you saw being committed on Davis?

[shurlock]

Can anyone actually tell me what foul you saw being committed on Davis?

 

From the all angles looked like he flapped at it and if anything was impeded by our own man who along with the Cardiff player was standing his ground.

[Sour Mash]

From the all angles looked like he flapped at it and if anything was impeded by our own man who along with the Cardiff player was standing his ground.

That was my take on it. Do you know what those above are going on about?

[Window Cleaner]

From the all angles looked like he flapped at it and if anything was impeded by our own man who along with the Cardiff player was standing his ground.

 

Looked at it a couple of times, I couldn't see anything either except that he'd very foolishly got himself boxed in.Perhaps some other angle gives him the benefit of the doubt but he's a bad keeper on crosses and corners in any case. Gives me the shudders.

[Saints foreva]

Can anyone actually tell me what foul you saw being committed on Davis?

 

He's blocked off, our players done similar in the 2nd half to their keeper (but their keeper didn't hit the deck) and the referee gave a foul both times.

[Kelly Smunt]

That was my take on it. Do you know what those above are going on about?

 

Yes, they had a different view of it and definitely saw the Cardiff player impede Davis.

[Leicestersaint]

Davis was deliberately impeded and hauled to the ground.

[saintwiz]

Lambert pen appeal 1st half - No pen.

Cardiff goal - Job to see on TV if there was a foul on KD.

Lallana pen appeal - penalty. If thought he'd dived why did he not book him.

Lambert goal (pen) - ball struck his hand, deliberate? But they are given. Depends on ref.

Poor refeering all night.

[ericofarabia]

That was my take on it. Do you know what those above are going on about?

 

From listening to the commentary on the night I was expecting to see about 6 built like brick sh!t houses Taffs surrounding SKD at the corner!!, but whilst having seen free kicks given for less, Kelv just 'wasn't strong enough to get around the Saints defender and Cardiff forward.