A stroll for Saints

It seems almost venal to start thinking about how the two sets of players would react once the match started, but manager Burley was concerned that Saints had to be prepared for an adrenaline fuelled QPR team. As it turned out, the home side probably didn't give of their best, although there was also plenty of evidence to suggest that Rangers' playing personnel just weren't good enough to give Saints a decent game anyway.

There had already been chances to take the lead before Rasiak headed home a 20th minute corner, and there were plenty more opportunities to increase it before the break. As it was we had to wait until the 45th minute, when Viafara led the charge downfield after a rare home corner; in fact he led it so far as to be brought down by goalkeeper Camp just outside the box. Happily Rasiak was on hand to deal with the loose ball, and that also excused referee Thorpe from dealing a red rather than yellow card.

When Dyer danced around a couple of defenders before crossing for Wright-Phillips to head an easy third, the size of the win was the only issue left to be decided. It could have been huge but for a lack of composure by Rasiak, but we did see Euell and John make their debuts in a stress-free environment. John should have scored with his first Saints touch but his tame finish was kicked away, and then he should have scored from the resultant corner but headed wide.

LSSC Man of the Match: Jhon Viafara, whom we had expected to be on the move along with Kenwyne Jones.