QPR 0 Saints 2

Monday, January 22, 2007

Not much had moved on the injury front for the visit to QPR, but Saints did make changes: Viafara came into the right of midfield, and everyone moved across a place until McGoldrick dropped off the left hand side.

That meant Wright playing in what has become a crucial role in front of Bale, often our best attacking weapon! Away from home we are usually given a bit more space as well, so it was disappointing that the team again struggled to create opportunities, and the first half was about as sterile as the dreadful 90 minutes against Burnley.

But Saints were desperately in need of a win, so McGoldrick and Wright-Phillips were introduced in a bid to change things. It seemed to make a difference as both played their part in a 2-0 win, but questionable refereeing helped as well. Saints grabbed the lead when Wright-Phillips put Royce under pressure from a corner and Rasiak was on hand when the keeper dropped the ball. Then Davis over-reached himself coming for a long throw and Blackstock did the rest.

Foul or not, it was not impressive goalkeeping but referee Kettle spotted an offence, and the lead was preserved. Mr. Burley thought both incidents should have been penalised; most fans thought both goals should have stood. However, Saints were due a break from the officials and they profited fully in injury time when Wright-Phillips ran onto McGoldrick's pass to score.

Man of the Match: Jermaine Wright, although he still needs to work on his delivery from corners.